It may take more than a three person Saskatchewan "task force" to solve these issues.
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) have announced they have signed an historic agreement to establish a joint task force on education and employment.
The initiative, which is expected to cost in the area of $2 million, will consult both on and off reserve throughout the province in an effort to identify practical, grass-roots solutions for eliminating the current gaps in education and employment outcomes for First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan.
"It is essential that all people in Saskatchewan reach their potential and benefit from our province's prosperity," Premier Brad Wall says. And that's very true - All PEOPLE regardless of race or nationality - should be key here. ALL who have fallen into the gaps should be attended to. "If we can effectively meet these challenges, we have the opportunity through this unique partnership for our First Nations and Métis learners to lead our province's success for generations to come."
There are struggling individuals from all walks of life who want to share in Saskatchewan's prosperity, let's hope some are not forgotten.
By August 2012 the task force is to provide recommendations that will inform collaborative actions towards improving the gap in education and employment outcomes for First Nations people. "This agreement reflects a shared vision of our prosperous province where everyone has access to a high quality of life on and off reserve," Wall said.
It may be a step in the right direction, but these are problems that have been happening across the entire country for years upon years. There's no question we need to do something about it, we have to wonder though, if three people and a $2 million dollar expense is the answer.
