FNMR MINISTER TO ATTEND INDIGENOUS EDUCATION CONFERENCE IN AUSTRALIA

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude will be attending the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPC:E) in Australia December 5-11. She will also meet with government officials and other cultural groups in New Zealand before she returns home on December 16.

The WIPC:E will showcase diverse cultures, traditions and knowledge from around the world. It is an opportunity for Indigenous people to express what they want to see in their education systems in the future.

"Education is a pillar in the success of First Nations and Métis people as they strive to build their future and excel in the workforce today," Draude said. "It will be significant to be a part of a conference that gathers Indigenous best practices from all over the world."

"Respecting tradition" is one of the themes being explored at the triennial conference held on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation in Melbourne, Australia. Our government has a great interest in this topic as the implementation of Mandatory Treaty Education in the classroom continues across Saskatchewan.

When Draude visits New Zealand, she will meet with the Elders, CEO and Trust Board of the Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust. The trust is a Maori organization that provides community health services, mental health and addictions services and social workers in schools.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: Bonny.Braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2237