The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal peoples enjoy the same education opportunities as other Canadians.

Improving educational outcomes is a shared responsibility. Governments, First Nation organizations, parents and individual students all have a role to play in achieving real results.

With increased opportunities for employment, the Government will continue to foster partnerships that help Aboriginal people get the skills and training to take advantage of job prospects in the North and across Canada.

Education Programs

AANDC has primary responsibility for education for First Nations on reserve through two main programs:

• Elementary/Secondary Education Program
• Post-Secondary Education Programs

To improve education outcomes for First Nation students in band-operated and provincial schools, the Government has also signed tripartite agreements with provinces and First Nations.

• Tripartite Education Agreements

First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education Reform

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed to reforming First Nation education.

Reforming First Nation education efforts has resulted in significant achievements have been accomplished through the reform agenda, such as the establishment of partnerships with provinces and First Nations. As well, new programs were created to support First Nations to improve students outcomes.

Through Budget 2010 and 2011, the Government furthered its commitment to reform by confirming its intention to work with First Nations groups and other willing partners to develop options, including new legislation, to improve the governance framework and clarify accountability for First Nation elementary and secondary education.

On June 21, 2011, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan, and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn Atleo, launched an engagement process on the development of options, including legislation, to improve the governance framework and to clarify accountability for First Nation elementary and secondary education. A National Panel has completed its engagement activities including roundtable discussions and key meetings with parents, students, elders, teachers, provincial officials, as well as online engagement activities for anyone interested in this issue. The National Panel will present a report to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development early in the new year on the outcomes of the engagement sessions and provide recommendations for moving forward.

Additional Information

• Publications and references
• Education Facilities - Progress Report April 2006 - January 2010
• Improving Education on Reserves: A First Nations Education Authority Act  
• Report: The Post-Secondary Student Support Program: An Examination of Alternative Delivery Mechanisms  
• Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative
• Aboriginal Bursary Search (Aboriginal Canada Portal)  
• Aboriginal Education and Training (Service Canada)  
• Canada Student Loans and Grants (HRSDC)  
• Student Exchanges and International Academic Mobility (HRSDC)  
• Better education data . . . better outcomes