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Reforming First Nation Education

Budget 2008 launched the long-term reform of First Nation education, centred on three pillars: results-based accountability; partnerships; and, provincial comparability. Under the first pillar, the First Nation Student Success Program was created to provide support to First Nations to develop school success plans, implement student learning assessments, and put in place performance measurement to assess and report on school and student progress. These activities are focused in three priorities areas: literacy; numeracy; and, student retention.

Under the second pillar, the Education Partnerships Program was created to support the establishment and advancement of formal partnership arrangements that aim to develop practical working relationships among officials and educators in regional First Nation organizations and schools, and those in provincial systems.

Partnerships are important given that the education of First Nations in Canada is a shared responsibility between First Nation students, parents, educators, and leaders, provincial governments, and the federal government. Significant progress has been achieved with agreements reached in Nova Scotia (1997), British Columbia (2006), New Brunswick (2008), Manitoba (2009), Alberta (2010), and, PEI (2010), as well as a sub-regional agreement in Saskatchewan (2010). Other provinces and First Nations are also expressing interest in partnerships. The federal government will continue to work with partners to develop these agreements.

Budget 2010 invested in the third pillar of reform, providing "$30 million over two years to support an implementation-ready tripartite K-12 education agreement." The agreement is designed to help First Nation students benefit from comparable education and achieve comparable results, whether the classroom is located on or off reserve.

Budget 2010 also signalled the next phase of reform, committing 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.

Budget 2011, reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to work in collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations towards elementary and secondary education reform. A National Panel was appointed to lead an engagement process with First Nation leaders, parents, students, elders, teachers, provinces, and all those with an interest in providing input on how to enhance the education system and outcomes of First Nation students.

On February 8, 2012, the National Panel presented its final report to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. The Panels final report provides the government with valuable feedback and recommendations on the next steps that could be taken to improve educational outcomes for First Nation students living on reserves. The Government of Canada will now be taking time to review the Panels recommendations and determine a course of action.

For additional information

Date Modified:2011-08-24

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