Conference Speaker
Lise Bastien
Ms. Lise Bastien is of Huron-Wendat nationality and was born in Wendake, QC. After studying at the First Nations College, La Macaza, she began a Baccalauréat in preschool and primary education in Université Laval in Quebec City. After graduating from Université Laval, she taught in the primary school of her community for two years.
In 1985, Ms. Bastien was hired to set up the secretariat of the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), which had been given the mandate to represent First Nations in education and to become a front-line supporter of the educational interests of First Nations. She has now worked there as Director for over 23 years.
The FNEC is an organization which evaluates, sets up and administers education programs for 22 Aboriginal communities in Quebec. These communities represent eight different Nations, the Abenakis, Algonquins, Atikamekw, Huron-Wendats, Innus, Malecites, Micmacs and Mohawks. The FNEC office is situated in the community of Wendake.
The secretariat is now 25 years strong. Some of the files for which the FNED has developed a recognized leadership role include the realization of a national policy and a funding program for special education for First Nations students; the transfer of administration of programs to organizations representing First Nations; the first conference in the country on fetal alcohol syndrome accompanied by informative material; the set-up of a network of videoconferences in more than 30 communities in Quebec; the organization of a first meeting designed to create links with the civil society; the deployment of fibre optic in 13 First Nations. To discover more, consult the web site at www.cepn-fnec.com.
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