Backgrounder - Tripartite Education First Nations Jurisdiction Framework Agreement
Fact Sheet - Summary of the British Columbia First Nations Tripartite Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement
VANCOUVER (July 5, 2006) - Premier Gordon Campbell, Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Jim Prentice, Chief Negotiator Nathan Matthew, and Deborah Jeffrey, President First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) signed a historic agreement today that will lead to recognition of First Nations' jurisdiction over First Nations' education in British Columbia.
This agreement will trigger Canada and B.C. to put into place the necessary legislative measures to implement this significant achievement. FNESC will work with the interested First Nations to assist them in developing education laws and establishing Community Education Authorities to deliver education programs and services.
"This agreement on First Nations' schools is the first of its kind in Canada and is a major step toward our goal of closing the education gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians," said Campbell. "Today marks the beginning of a new partnership - and as partners, the Province, the federal government and First Nations are ready to work together to create better learning opportunities for First Nations' students."
"Canada's New Government recognizes the crucial importance that education plays in terms of improving the quality of life of First Nations people," said Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "This agreement will strengthen First Nations' capacity to exercise control over their education systems and institutions. This approach represents the future of education for First Nations' students, as it provides a model that can be replicated on reserves across Canada."
"The agreements signed today mark a new relationship with the governments - one based on respect that recognizes the jurisdiction of First Nations peoples over the education of their youth," said Matthew, Chief Negotiator and FNESC representative. "The agreement also strengthens the framework for the provision of high quality, relevant education for First Nations students in BC."
The agreement fulfils a July 2003 commitment between the governments of Canada and B.C., and the First Nations Education Steering Committee to work towards a framework for jurisdiction over the education of First Nations children who attend band schools.
In addition to the framework agreement, a B.C.-FNESC agreement was signed today in which the parties made a commitment to work together to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for First Nations students.
Media Contacts:
Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 213-8218
Corinna Filion
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Christa Williams, Executive Director
Jan Haugen, Executive Assistant
First Nations Education Steering Committee
604 925-6087
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
819 997-0002
Valerie Barrett
Manager, Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
BC Region
604 775-7520
