In a celebration at Seabird Island today, four First Nations—Cowichan Tribes, Lil’wat Nation, ʔaq’am, and Seabird Island—were recognized and celebrated for concluding self-government agreements regarding education on their lands. Through their signed education jurisdiction agreements with Canada, the four First Nations now have recognized law-making authority over their Kindergarten-Grade 12 education systems, including authority over teacher certification, school certification, graduation requirements, curriculum, and course approvals.

“It has been a long journey to assert our own governance in education. With the achievement of education jurisdiction and our new law-making authority, we are fundamentally changing the system and taking an important step to asserting our rights as Indigenous peoples.”

Stephanie Atleo
President of the First Nations Education Authority

“Education jurisdiction is about providing a culturally relevant and excellent education to ensure our youth graduate with the knowledge, skills and credentials to thrive in any opportunity they choose for higher learning, employment and life choices. I commend all of the First Nations who have been involved in the education jurisdiction process for their strength of vision and perseverance.”

Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee and member of Seabird Island First Nation

“The recognition of First Nations education jurisdiction will have long-lasting and meaningful benefits for youth in First Nations schools. I thank the four Participating First Nations for their ground-breaking work and I look forward to working with the newly established First Nations Education Authority.”

Aaron Burgess
President of the First Nations Schools Association

“All First Nations learners deserve every opportunity to achieve their best. Through education jurisdiction, we’ve worked in partnership with the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and the Government of Canada to formally recognize and support First Nations communities in educating and empowering their children and youth through the creation of their own community-led learning. This landmark change in education will enable participating First Nations to certify teachers and schools, approve courses and set graduation requirements.”

The Honourable Jennifer Whiteside
Minister of Education and Child Care

“Today is a historic day for First Nation learners in British Columbia, and for the ʔaq̓am, Cowichan Tribes, Lil'wat Nation and Seabird Island communities. Control over Indigenous education, led by Indigenous Peoples, is critical to ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and remain connected to their culture and language. Congratulations on this achievement in strengthening your identities, culture, languages and heritage through the delivery of culturally relevant primary and secondary education.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

“The signing of these Education Jurisdiction Agreements will transform the way First Nations students learn, helping them to reach their goals and full potential. The ?aq’am, Cowichan Tribes, Lil’wat Nation and Seabird Island and the First Nations Education Steering Committee are leading the way, and they have reached this place of self-determination through their unwavering vision. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services

• In 1972, First Nations in Canada endorsed the policy of Indian Control of Indian Education, advancing an education approach premised on parental responsibility and local control. This was updated in 2010 by the Assembly of First Nations in its “First Nations Control of First Nations Education” policy position paper. First Nations in BC continue to consistently work towards full First Nations control of First Nations education.

• Indigenous Peoples have the right to establish and control their educational system and institutions as an aspect of their inherent rights of self-determination and self-government, as affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and also as recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

• In 2006, FNESC, British Columbia and Canada signed the Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement, which recognized BC First Nations’ right to establish and control their own education systems. Canada subsequently passed legislation in 2006, and British Columbia did the same in 2007, codifying that recognition and setting out the path for First Nations to assume jurisdiction.

• The education jurisdiction initiative is designed to support First Nations' exercise of self-government over education with enabling legislation and a suite of tripartite and bilateral agreements, including the overarching tripartite Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement; model agreements to be signed by Canada and Participating First Nations; and further agreements between British Columbia and the FNEA, FNESC, and Participating First Nations.

• A Participating First Nation (PFN) is a First Nation that has jurisdiction over its education system, which includes the authority to:

  • Make education laws for education on its land through its Chief and Council
  • Establish a governance structure either through its Chief and Council or another governing authority that they establish (e.g. a Community Education Authority)

• In 2021, British Columbia passed legislation to enable cooperation and assistance between the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the FNEA over teacher regulation. Agreements are expected to be finalized this summer.

• The FNEA, established July 1, 2022, will assist Participating First Nations in developing the capacity to provide education on First Nation land. The FNEA will exercise authority delegated by PFNs in the following areas:

  • Teacher certification
  • School certification
  • Graduation requirements and course approvals

Associated links

• First Nations Education Steering Committee
• First Nations Schools Association
• Government of Canada

For more information, media may contact:

Jennifer White
Manager, Communications and Events
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Cell: 250-240-2157
Email: jenniferw@fnesc.ca

Ministry of Education and Child Care
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Province of British Columbia
Phone: 250-356-5963

Renelle Arsenault
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
Email: renelle.arsenault@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

CIRNAC Media Relations:
Email: RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Phone: 819-934-2302

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