First Nations school funding agreement

Province and First Nations sign historic agreement.

Ministry of Education.

The Province of B.C. and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) signed an agreement to pave the way for First Nations to receive full per-pupil funding for eligible provincial students attending band-operated schools, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister George Abbott announced today.

“Education is the tool that allows all learners to achieve their dreams,” said Abbott. “This agreement will be a major support to all those who are working diligently to provide high-quality, culturally-relevant educational programs for students in First Nations schools across our province.”

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), a branch of the federal government, is responsible for funding the K-12 education of First Nations students who live on-reserve, whether they attend provincial public schools or band-operated schools. Funding for other students in B.C., including status First Nations students living permanently off-reserve, is the responsibility of the Province of British Columbia.

Under the reciprocal tuition agreement, the Province will now provide full per-pupil funding for eligible students living off-reserve who are enrolled in band schools, and for eligible non-status students living on reserve lands. The commitment to reciprocal tuition was embedded in the BC-First Nation Education Agreement, which was signed by the Province and FNESC in July 2006.

The first phase of the agreement was enacted last spring. The Province agreed to provide full per-pupil funding for eligible students attending provincially certified band-operated group one and two independent schools.

“We welcome the reciprocal tuition agreement which will address a significant funding concern First Nations schools have had since the 1970s,” said FNESC Chief Negotiator Nathan Matthew. “The additional funds will mean that First Nations schools can more effectively meet the educational expectations of parents and communities, and strengthen the key role First Nations play in the B.C. education system.”

As a result of the Memorandum of Agreement signed today, government will collaborate with FNESC to implement full per-pupil funding for eligible students attending any band-operated school, subject to that school fully meeting conditions, including certification requirements as established by the First Nations Schools Association.

The Province remains committed to supporting Aboriginal language and culture programs, Aboriginal support service programs, and other localized Aboriginal education programs. To date, the Province, local First Nations and school districts have signed 45 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements and government has worked in partnership with FNESC to develop new courses for the B.C. curriculum including English First Peoples 12.

The First Nations Educations Steering Committee (www.fnesc.ca) is an independent society that is committed to improving education for all First Nations learners in British Columbia. It is directed by representatives of First Nations in British Columbia.

Vancouver
November 6, 2009
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
2009EDUC0028-000585