Harper to prioritize aboriginal education

Aboriginal education has been identified as a priority by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In a letter sent to Shawn Atleo, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Harper said that the government is “open to participating” in a meeting with aboriginal leaders on the question of education reform. “The government has publicly committed to working with first-nations groups and other willing partners to develop options, including new legislation, to improve the governance framework and clarity accountability for first-nation elementary and secondary education,” the letter reads. Atleo told the Globe and Mail that he is encouraged by Harper’s “significant and focused” statements, and he that he hopes to have a meeting organized for the Spring.