$1.1 Billion For First Nations Academic Success
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 14 July 2022
An historic signing in Kahnàwa:ke today is seen as a major step forward in advancing First Nations control over First Nations education for almost 5,800 students in 22 communities in Quebec. This agreement between the FNEC, its 22 member communities and Indigenous Services Canada will provide an envelope of approximately $1.1 billion over five years for communities to implement education programs that will support the academic success of First Nations students. Harry Angus Rice, Elected Official with the MCK and education portfolio chief welcoming guests that included: The Grand Chiefs and Chiefs of the First Nations Education Council (FNEC), Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer; John Martin, Chief of Gesgapegiag and Chief Responsible for Education; Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador; and Denis Gros-Louis, Director General of the FNEC. They gathered on the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory to sign the historic regional education agreement.
The agreement between the FNEC, its 22 member communities and Indigenous Services Canada will provide approximately $1.1 billion over five years for communities to implement education programs that will support the academic success of First Nations students. Through Indigenous Services Canada, $310.6 million in new funding was announced for this agreement complementing the approximately $790 million budgeted through existing education funding streams. The agreement will ensure that the education needs of students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, are fully funded and based on community models, priorities, and realities.
As a result, this agreement will allow for:
- A culturally appropriate curriculum
- Improved funding for school transportation
- Recruitment and retention of more than 600 teachers and specialized resources
- Improved student success
- Increased student retention and high school graduation rates
The historic agreement will support the academic success of First Nations students in Quebec while promoting cultures and languages.
