Speaking Notes
for
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, PC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and
Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
Announcing
A Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Education in Alberta
Calgary, Alberta
February 24, 2010
Check against delivery
It's a real pleasure to be here today with Minister Hancock and Grand Chief Adam, Grand Chief Weaselhead and Grand Chief Makokis.
And, thank you Chief Big Plume for hosting us for this very significant event.
We're assembled in this school to talk about a question of great importance to all of us. That issue is education, and how vital it is for all of us, as partners, to assist First Nation learners to achieve the best possible educational outcomes. This is vital for First Nations people, for their communities, and for all Canadians.
Today, we're taking an important step towards better schools, better outcomes, and a better future for First Nation students in Alberta.
I'm honoured to celebrate the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding.
I know that this is the product of much hard work - and of much good faith - by each of the parties. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations for all of your efforts in getting us here. I know that you've created a true partnership. And, a real foundation for student success.
The common vision statement says it clearly: the goal is an Alberta where “First Nation students are achieving or exceeding the full educational outcomes, levels and successes of all other students in Alberta.”
With this statement, we've mapped out where we're going. And, we all know too well the challenges and opportunities facing First Nation students today. Statistics and demographics tell the story:
- a young and fast-growing population, but…
- literacy and numeracy scores, student achievement and graduation rates for First Nation students that lag well behind rates for non-Aboriginals.
However, we also see huge opportunity:
- labour market demand for knowledge and skills;
- visionary leadership by many First Nation leaders and educators; and
- the transformative force of quality education.
Education is the way for individuals to succeed, for communities to function well, for societies to flourish, and for economies to prosper.
Well-educated and skilled workers are needed for First Nation communities, for jobs in Alberta's key sectors, and for employers across Canada.
In order to get from here to there, we need the kind of new relationships that we're building through this Memorandum of Understanding. Relationships that recognize that each partner brings something special to the table. And that collective strength fosters innovation and success.
For example, the provincial Ministry of Education and provincial school boards…they don't have all the answers, but they have plenty of experience developing strategies and systems for thousands of students and teachers.
Similarly, First Nation educators and Elders have much knowledge and expertise to share, including in terms of teaching history, language, and culture.
By working together and pooling our resources, we have a greater capacity to meet the educational needs of First Nations in a way that is right for them.
This isn't the first tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on education we have signed, but it is probably the most comprehensive in terms of setting out the foundational elements for moving forward. I think that's very important.
In addition to expertise sharing, it covers a range of important elements, including: parental and community engagement; treaty and cultural awareness; teacher recruitment and retention; and education service agreements.
The Memorandum of Understanding will also, for the first time, create a new education organization that will serve the First Nations of Treaties 6, 7, and 8: the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre focused on improving student outcomes. I think that's very important too. And I commend the Grand Chiefs for their willingness, not only to partner with us, but with each other in this way. I look forward to the new Centre getting up and running soon.
Together, these elements make up a solid framework for moving forward.
As you know, the Government of Canada is very committed to supporting and sustaining work to achieve better educational outcomes. That's why we, in 2008, committed $268 million over five years, as well as ongoing funding of $75 million in each subsequent year, for the First Nation Student Success Program and the Education Partnerships Program.
I'm confident that we've set the right course for improving First Nation educational outcomes. Today's signing ceremony is just a start. Graduation rates won't change overnight. After all, it takes at least thirteen years to go from kindergarten to grade 12.
However, I know that First Nations and governments across Canada are making education a priority and are eager to realize the substantial benefits associated with better educational outcomes. It will take our collective will and patience to get there, and I know that our partners here today are as ready as we are for that hard work.
In closing, I want you to know that I have great confidence in the positive impact of good schools, committed teachers and the hard work of students themselves. When you add in the active support of parents and communities, you create the conditions for success. And that is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.
Thank you.
