Shannen's Dream Timeline & Documents
We try our best to provide information in both English and French. Unfortunately, French resources are not always available and we will provide them in English. We apologize for the inconvenience.
1996
Report on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) is published. The report notes that funding is “basic” for on-reserve education, and regulations permit little, if any, leeway for culture-based curriculum. Read the Volume 3 Chapter 5 of the RCAP report.
Consultants recommend removing toxic soil from the school property.
1995
More environmental investigations are conducted finding the school to be contaminated with toxins harmful to human exposure. The school property is rated as a “Level 1, High Sensitive Site.”
1990
Attawapiskat children and teachers continue to suffer illness from exposure to carcinogen-laden fumes.
1984
INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) hires consultants to investigate and clean up measures are recommended. No subsequent action is taken.
1982
Evidence of oil in school foundation and petroleum odour in classrooms.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (The Constitution Act, 1982) is signed. From the Section 35 of the Charter: “(1) The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed. (2) In this Act, ‘aboriginal peoples of Canada’ includes the Indian, Inuit, and Metis peoples of Canada.” Read the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982.
1980
Children of Attawapiskat and teachers get sick from exposure to carcinogen-laden fumes.
1979
25 000 Gallons of oil leaks into the soil near the school.
1976
The J.R. Nakogee Elementary School is built in Attawapiskat First Nation.