| ETFO Supports Shannen’s Dream
Overview For over 10 years, children and youth of Attawapiskat did not have access to a safe school environment in which to learn and grow. Despite promises the Federal Government has done nothing more than place temporary portables on the school ground which was contaminated by diesel oil. Shannen Koostachin became the face and voice for the young children of Attawapiskat advocating for a new school to replace the make-shift portables in her community. Koostachin was known for standing up to government officials – federally and at the international level – to raise awareness of the conditions in Attawapiskat and ensure that all children had access to a healthy school. Tragically, Shannen was killed in a car accident on May 30th – her voice was silenced, but her dream still lives on. The Shannen’s Dream Campaign was initiated to ensure her important work will continue. |
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ETFO’s efforts to ensure there was a safe school in Attawapiskat began a number of years ago through lobbying the Federal Government to meet its obligation of providing a school and adequate funding for necessary resources for the children and youth of Attawapiskat. In July 2010, the ETFO Executive passed a motion support and to make a financial contribution to the Shannen’s Dream Campaign. ETFO challenges teachers and students to support Shannen’s dream so that every young Canadian—no matter where they live—realizes the same fundamental right to decent schools and education in order to reach their full potential.
The Shannen’s Dream Campaign Launches
On November 17, students and parents from Attawapiskat made the trip to Elgin Street Public School in Ottawa to help launch the Shannen’s Dream Campaign. Shannon’s parents and friends spoke in Shannen’s memory. Along with the youth from Attawapiskat, Shannen was posthumously given a special award from the Canadian Coalition on the Rights of the Child for her work.
This webcast has been produced by ETFO in order for the young people of Attawapiskat to share in the celebration of Shannen’s life and to witness the support for her campaign – to ensure the Federal Government provides a new school for the children and youth of Attawapiskat.