Elementary / Secondary Education Programs

The goal of the Elementary and Secondary Education Program of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is to support the elementary and secondary education of First Nation students living on reserve.

Investing in First Nation elementary and secondary education

AANDC invests approximately $1.5 billion annually for instructional and student support services for approximately 117,500 First Nation students (from Kindergarten to Grade 12) living on reserve.

AANDC delivers funding support directly to Band Councils and First Nation education organizations. First Nations, or their regional organizations have responsibility for managing and delivering education programs and services in about 515 band-operated schools on reserve. Approximately 61 per cent of First Nation students attend schools on reserve.

AANDC delivers services directly on reserve in seven federally-operated schools.

For students who live on reserve but attend provincial schools off reserve, AANDC pays the tuition amount that the applicable province charges for non-Aboriginal students. This is paid to the First Nation or directly to the provincial Ministry of Education, depending on the agreement in place.

What are the investments used for?

Funding is used for teachers' salaries, instructional services, and student support services such as transportation, counselling, accommodation and financial assistance. It is also used for curriculum and language development, teacher recruitment and retention activities, engaging with parents and the community, and for technological and other resources and supplies, including computers. It is also used for education management such as school planning, general administration, and record keeping.

In addition to elementary and secondary program investments, AANDC also invests more than $200 million annually to support school infrastructure projects.