Quebec Mohawk community supports adding Grade 12 option to bypass Bill 96
Posted June 15, 2022 11:37 pm.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) says it supports the First Nation education centre’s response to Quebec’s Bill 96.
The Kahnawà:ke Education Center (KEC) recently suggested it would explore offering a Grade 12 option as an alternative to CEGEP.
Some private English Montreal schools have previously announced that decision as well, so students can skip straight to university.
READ MORE: Indigenous community looking at next steps after Bill 96 talks break down
Quebec’s Bill 96, the province’s French-language law reform, means there will be caps on how many students are able to attend English CEGEPs.
The MCK believes Bill 96 could deter some Indigenous students from pursuing post-secondary studies.
“We are fully supportive of the preliminary steps that the KEC is taking to foster the development and futures of their students,” said Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer in a release. “By continuing to work together on all fronts to combat future impacts of Bill 96, we are better equipped to continue fighting against this oppressive Bill while lessening potential effects of its implementation.”
“We call on Premier (François) Legault to declare the commitment that his government has towards finding real and meaningful resolve for Indigenous communities, in regard to the impacts that Bill 96 will have on our people.”
Critics are concerned Bill 96 will have a detrimental effect on minorities.
“The MCK continues to explore alternatives to ensure the rights and interests of our community are protected from this legislation. We commend the community on the efforts that have and will continue to be taken in this collective fight against Bill 96.”
