The federal government is engaged in a legal battle with an Anishinaabe First Nation over claims of systematic underfunding of on-reserve schools in Ontario. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has made its case to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, alleging that Canada’s education funding model is insufficient, discriminatory, and perpetuates historical harm inflicted on children in residential schools.
Chief Claire Sault emphasized that while the case was initiated by one community, it represents the struggles faced by all First Nations children in Ontario. The tribunal, which addresses discrimination complaints, held its first day of hearings in person at the Mississaugas of the Credit location, south of Toronto.
The First Nation argues that although residential schools have closed, the negative impacts persist. They criticize Canada’s “interim funding model,” implemented in 2019-20, for failing to provide adequate funding compared to provincial systems and not addressing the unique needs and higher operational costs of on-reserve schools.
In response, Canada acknowledges the lasting effects of colonialism but disputes the First Nation’s interpretation of the funding model, highlighting a lack of specific evidence on how it fails to meet students’ needs. The case builds on a precedent set in 2016 when it was confirmed that Canada had discriminated against First Nations children by chronically underfunding services.
The hearing, supported by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, continues virtually and is anticipated to span 15 days.