Ref. #2-3443
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (December 10, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that the Government of Canada is moving forward on improving education outcomes for First Nation children by targeting Budget 2010 funding for implementation-ready K-12 partnerships with First Nations in British Columbia.
"First Nation students should have every opportunity to fulfill their academic potential, said Minister Duncan. "By working together and pooling existing expertise, particularly through partnerships, we have a greater capacity to meet the educational needs of First Nation students."
Partnerships in British Columbia will build on successes and focus on common goals such as alignment of programs and standards, clarifying roles and responsibilities, strong accountability, governance, and shared responsibility for First Nation student success. All First Nation schools in British Columbia will be eligible to benefit from these new investments.
Investing in partnerships will allow parties - First Nations and the provincial and federal governments - to build on their efforts to date and to formalize the systems and supports to deliver quality education in First Nation schools in the province.
"I have instructed my officials to return to the negotiation table in the new year," added Minister Duncan. "Negotiations to conclude these agreements are well advanced, and the new resources identified in Budget 2010 and provided under this new agreement will enable the conclusion of agreements that are consistent with the Government's policy on self-government. Discussions will also be initiated with other First Nations that are interested in benefiting from this funding."
The Government expects that this approach will help conclude self-government education agreements pursuant to the First Nation Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act. All First Nations in British Columbia will be eligible to participate in the new approach through self-government education agreements or tripartite education agreements.
This investment of up to $30 million over two years is based on the advanced state of the tripartite education partnerships in British Columbia where important collaborative practices, solid support structures and commitments are already in place to ensure student success.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with First Nations and other jurisdictions on partnership opportunities to improve education outcomes for First Nation students.
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
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