Premiers, native leaders talk education

Improving aboriginal education isa major issue Canada's provincial and territorial premiers are tackling as they meet with native leaders in Churchill, Man.

The premiersare in northern Manitobato meet with the leaders of four national aboriginal organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations.

Improving learning for aboriginals will help lift them out of poverty and engage them in the economy, said Shawn Atleo, nationalchief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, who is hosting Wednesday's meeting, said the premiers will talk about ways "to increase graduation rates for aboriginal people," as well as ensure there are opportunities for aboriginal people in the labour market.

Raise standards: N.W.T. premier

Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland said education standards need to be raised in many aboriginal communities, including those in his territory.

"That's one of the things we need to do, is continue to work on and improve that quality of education so that when we have Grade 12 students come out of the Northwest Territories they can go to any part of Canada and compete at that level," Roland said Tuesday, as the premiersattended a community feastin Churchill.

Among the other issues the premiers and aboriginal leaders plan to discuss, Atleo said the number of missing and murdered aboriginal woman across Canada remains a major concern.

"It really is something that must be addressed at a national level," he said. "It's very much a crisis issue that we face; it has to do with the justice system."

After the meeting in Churchill, the premiers will head to Winnipeg for their annual Council of the Federation conference, where the economy and health care will be on the agenda.

Those talks will be held at Winnipeg's historic Hotel Fort Garryon Thursday and Friday.

It is expected theleaders attending the Winnipeg meeting will alsodiscuss bilateral Canada-U.S. matters and other international initiatives.