Shannen’s Dream

“School is a time for dreams, every kid deserves this” Shannen Koostachin

Every child in Canada has the right to a proper education - including safe and comfy schools, quality education, and education that suits their individual and collective needs. Because First Nations education is funded less, First Nations young people do not have the same opportunities as all other children in the country. 

Shannen's Dream, named in loving memory of Shannen Koostachin, is about making sure that First Nations children and youth have the same education opportunities as others but in ways that respect their language and culture and takes into account that they may not be starting from the same place. Shannen Koostachin, her classmates, and their community of Attawapiskat fought for a new school for over three decades after a diesel spill near the school that was making students and teachers sick. Shannen sadly passed away in 2010 and never saw the new school that was built in 2014. With the support of her loving family, friends and community, Shannen’s Dream was named in her honour because Shannen believed that all children deserved to go to a good school. Learn more about Shannen and Attawapiskat. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on Canada to provide culturally-based education for First Nations children, and calls on all of us to learn more about Indigenous peoples in Canada as a starting place for the important work of reconciliation. For ideas on how to bring reconciliation into your classroom, visit Educational Resources, participate in Events to Make a Difference and find out more about Spirit Bear!

(From the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society- https://fncaringsociety.com/shannens-dream)

How we got involved

When we first learned about Shannen, we were immediately angry and sad. How could a young girl in Canada have to fight for a new school? We learned that the federal government actually funds schools on reserve 30% LESS that provincially funded schools. We were outraged.

We learned that Shannen’s dream for a new school was not just for her community in Attawapiskat but for many other First Nation communities. SO many children were going to school in places they weren’t proud of….in spaces where they couldn’t possible achieve their dreams.

We called Charlie Angus, the Member of Parliament for James Bay. He and Cindy Blackstock and Shannen’s Family had launched a campaign called Shannen’s Dream. We marched, we sang, we wrote letters. Finally, a new school was built in Attawapiskat. But the reality is that the funding issue remains... Below are some videos that we made to help educate people about Shannen and her dream.

Learn more- watch these documentaries about Shannen and the fight for equitable education on reserve