Shannen's Dream is a Canadian youth-driven movement advocating for equitable education funding for First Nations children. Education on-reserve is funded by the Government of Canada, while off-reserve education is funded by provincial or territorial governments. Several reports by the Auditor General of Canada, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, and other authorities have indicated an urgent need for improved funding for on-reserve education.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Shannen's Dream advocates for the building of safe and comfy schools on reserves, and culturally based education for all First Nations children and youth. The movement was named in honour of Shannen Koostachin, a young activist from the Attawapiskat First Nation and a nominee for the 2008 International Children's Peace Prize
The campaign is the subject of Alanis Obomsawin's 2013 documentary film Hi-Ho Mistahey!.[7]
- ^ "Chapter 4 - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Elementary and secondary education". 2000 April Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "The Funding Requirement for First nations Schools in Canada" (PDF). Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "Chapter 4- Programs for First Nations on Reserves". 2011 June Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "Chapter 5 – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Education program and post-secondary student support". 2004 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "Reforming First Nations Education: From Crisis to Hope" (PDF). Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "Nurturing the Learning Spirit of First Nations Students" (PDF). The National Panel on First Nations Elementary and Secondary Education for Students on Reserve. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "TIFF 13: Alanis Obomsawin on Hi-Ho Mistahey!". Playback, September 13, 2013.