"Room for culture and language in education"

SIX NATIONS - Language and culture is essential if the Haudenosaunee are to survive as a people, said I.L. Thomas parent steering committee chairperson Reva Bomberry.

"We're not saying our system is going to be better, we just want our needs to be met," said Bomberry. "If the Six Nations Board of Education can't meet our needs, why can't we? Isn't there room for both?"

Bomberry said she and other members of the I.L. Thomas parent steering committee are "not trying to create a big stink" in regards to education and they can appreciate the work the Six Nations Board of Education has done.

"I have no problems sitting down with the board of education to discuss my concerns," she said. "I don't want to make enemies on the reserve. I want to be heard."

Bomberry said she would like to see the needs identified by I.L. Thomas parent steering committee incorporated into whatever system on the reserve.

"I have grave concerns on the school curriculum, I think it should reflect the true history of our people - that includes our language and culture, that's our identity," she said. "Our identity was taken away from us and we want to put it back."

Bomberry said I.L. Thomas and the Six Nations Board of Education had met before Christmas but nothing was resolved.

"What I would like to see is that our culture and language is a priority and is always a priority not to be sacrificed in any form." she said.