Among:

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) as representatives of the 63 Manitoba First Nations

And

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Manitoba, as represented by the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth, the Acting Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and the Minister of Healthy Living

And

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (“AANDC”).

Whereas the Parties wish to work collaboratively, collegially and as expeditiously as possible, toward improving educational outcomes for First Nation students in Manitoba, and

Whereas the parties agree to work together to support First Nation students in reaching their full learning potential and in attaining achievement levels comparable to the general student population in Manitoba.

Therefore the Parties agree that

1. This Letter of Understanding is intended to enhance administrative cooperation with respect to education for First Nation students in Manitoba and is not intended to effect a transfer of program responsibilities among the Parties.
2. This Letter of Understanding is a statement of intent by the Parties and is not legally binding. It is not intended to define, create, recognize, deny or amend any of the rights of the Parties and does not oblige AANDC or Manitoba Education to act in a manner inconsistent with federal, legislative or regulatory jurisdictions or authorities.
3. The parties agree that this Letter of Understanding does not create legally enforceable obligations among them or between any two of them and may be terminated by any party upon 30 days' written notice to all of the remaining parties.
4. The Parties will consider the following areas in working to improve educational outcomes for First Nation students in Manitoba First Nation schools:
   
   
   1. Early Learning focusing on school readiness for First Nation children
   2. Virtual Schools to increase course availability and options for First Nation students
   3. Reciprocal professional development to share knowledge and expertise and broaden opportunities for professional development
   4. Transition protocols to support students transitioning between First Nation and provincial schools
   5. Reciprocal Education Agreements which could include tuition amounts, programs and services, roles and responsibilities and accountability
   6. Other agreed upon topics
5. The parties agree to consult further as required to develop specific action plans under the areas identified above.
6. The parties agree that the results collected from the projects will be shared among all of them.

Signed at Gatineau, province of Quebec.

As of the 22nd day of October, 2009.

Signed on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

______________________________
Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Signed on behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

______________________________
Grand Chief Ron Evans

Signed on behalf of the Southern Chiefs Organization

______________________________
Grand Chief Morris Swan Shannacappo

Signed on behalf of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak

______________________________
Grand Chief David Harper

Signed on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Manitoba, as represented by the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth

______________________________
Honourable Peter Bjornson
Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth

Signed on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Manitoba, as represented by the Minister of Healthy Living

______________________________
Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross
Minister of Healthy Living

Signed on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Manitoba, as represented by the Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

______________________________
Honourable Eric Robinson
A/Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada