November 22, 2005 Source: University College of Cape Breton:
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=130 CBU Instructor To Represent Canadian Aboriginal Youth (Sydney, NS) - The Assembly of First Nations has chosen Cape Breton University Instructor Jaime Battiste to represent Canadian Aboriginal Youth at the up-coming First Ministers Conference on Aboriginal Affairs in Kelowna later this week. Battiste will be one of 15 Aboriginal representatives included in these focused discussions with the Prime Minister, Cabinet Members, Premiers, Chiefs and Elders from across Canada. He was selected by his peers at a recent meeting in Ottawa, based upon his active role as the Youth Co-Chair for the AFN. Five topics will dominate the agenda and Battiste’s remarks will centre on the issues of Education, Economic Development, Health, Housing and First Nations Relationships with Government. All five items are considered to be steps towards bridging the gap of poverty for Aboriginal people. Battiste, on behalf of the AFN Youth Membership, will deliver a Communiqué addressing these matters. He was selected as Youth Chair in Yellowknife this past summer. "I consider it an honor to represent the Aboriginal youth of this nation on behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and to represent my own community and Cape Breton University," notes Battiste. Battiste, age 25, is a resident of the Eskasoni First Nation in Cape Breton, a graduate of Cape Breton University who also completed his law degree in 2004. He currently teaches Mi’kmaq Government, Aboriginal Treaty Rights and Introduction to Mi’kmaq Studies to students in the Faculty of Arts and Community Studies Mi’kmaq Governance Program offered at Cape Breton University. "It is wonderful to have a member of our teaching faculty involved at this level in the presentation and discussion of critically important Aboriginal issues," states CBU President John Harker. "This University is committed to furthering Aboriginal post-secondary educational opportunities for Canada as a whole. Jaime Battiste’s participation in this First Ministers Conference is a credit to his commitment and dedication to the efforts of the Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal learning overall." Cape Breton University is home to Canada’s first and only prestigious Tier 1 Canada Research in Integrative Science. With established First Nations partnerships, scientific research, sound programming, dedicated faculty, national recognition and successful graduates, Aboriginal programming and services at CBU continue to grow. The University is regarded as a successful model for the rest of Canada. www.capebretonu.ca -30- Contact:
Kelly Rose
Communications Officer, Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638
E-mail: kelly_rose@capebretonu.ca
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