Q.1 What is the new approach to First Nation education in British Columbia (BC)?
A.1 In December 2010, the Government of Canada announced a new approach to comparable education in BC to support the implementation of tripartite education agreements. BC First Nations will be able to access the new approach through an education self-government agreement or the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement.
The new approach recognizes that quality, comparable education includes the standards, programs, services, school supports and investments required to address the unique needs of First Nation students. It also recognizes the need for First Nation students to be able to transfer between First Nation schools and provincial public schools without academic penalty.
Q.2 What is the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement?
A.2 The Tripartite Education Framework Agreement formalizes the partnership between Canada, the province, the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), and BC First Nations operating schools on reserve. The agreement sets out the roles and responsibilities of the parties in the delivery of First Nation education programming and is supported by a new funding model. The new approach also recognizes and supports FNESC as a second level service provider to First Nation schools in BC.
Q.3 Why is the new approach being offered in BC?
A.3 The new approach was targeted for BC First Nations based on the longstanding and comprehensive education partnerships in the province dating back to 1999. It acknowledges that First Nations and FNESC have worked together to establish an education system to support First Nation students. FNESC has also demonstrated the capacity to administer education programs and services on behalf of First Nations and First Nation schools.
The Tripartite Education Framework Agreement formalizes the commitment of all parties to have in place programming and school board-type structures that ensure the ability of students to transfer between First Nation and provincial systems without academic penalty.
Q.4 Will the new approach be offered in other provinces?
A.4 The Government of Canada will continue to work with First Nations in other regions to develop new partnership opportunities.
Q.5 Under the new approach will there be additional funding for First Nation schools?
A.5 Yes. The Government of Canada will provide an additional $15 million annually to support BC First Nation schools (as provided for in Budget 2010), and provide ongoing funding to support the delivery of second level services by FNESC. The new funding model has been developed in collaboration with FNESC and is largely based on the provincial funding formula. Under the agreement a First Nation school will be funded in the same way as a similarly sized and situated public school in the province.
Q.6 When is the new funding available?
A.6 First Nations opting-in to the new agreement will have a new funding allocation based on the new funding model in time for the 2012 school year.
Q.7 Will all First Nations in BC be able to participate?
A.7 All First Nations in BC who operate schools will be able to participate in the new approach either by opting into the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement or by signing an education self-government agreement with the Government of Canada.
Q.8 How many First Nations have opted into the new approach under the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement?
A.8 First Nations opt into the new approach under the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement by passing a Band Council Resolution and later by signing an amended funding agreement.
As of March 30, 2012, AANDC has received band council resolutions from 85 of 86 eligible First Nations that operate schools in BC. AANDC will work with First Nations that have passed band council resolutions over the next few months to amend their funding agreements accordingly.
Q.9 How will the new funding model work?
A.9 The new funding model is based on the provincial funding formula and provides funding for core operational costs such as teacher salaries and benefits, operation and maintenance of schools and educational services and management. It also provides for ongoing funding to FNESC to provide second level services including:
- providing economies of scale for school support services
- administering and reporting on the results of school assessments
- fostering teacher recruitment and retention strategies
- engaging parents and the community
Q.10 What kind of accountability is in place through the new Tripartite Education Framework Agreement?
A.10 The Tripartite Education Framework Agreement recognizes First Nation communities have primary decision-making responsibility for their schools. The framework agreement requires participating First Nations to make aggregate school performance information available to parents of students, and further specified reports available to FNESC and the Government of Canada. This provides the opportunity to track progress and make improvements over time.
Q.11 How will success be measured?
A.11 There is a mechanism through the tripartite agreement which allows the parties to review and monitor its success. Also, with enhanced cooperation between the two schools systems and all parties committed to the delivery of comparable education, it is expected that student outcomes, including graduation rates, will improve. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) will be tracking the graduation rate of First Nation schools under the new approach.
Q.12 Does this new approach address First Nation concerns relating to language and culture programming?
A.12 The new approach includes targeted funding for culturally appropriate education programs and services for First Nation students.
Although not included in the new approach, First Nation communities can also apply to supplement this funding by accessing both federal and provincial targeted programs including: AANDC's Cultural Education Centres Program; Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Language Initiative and Canadian Studies Programs; and the BC Citizen's Fund.
Q.13 What about support for technology?
A.13 The new funding model captures the funding that a provincial school would receive for connectivity, and for buying and maintaining equipment.
Q.14 Does the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement include funding for new school construction or renovation?
A.14 No. Similar to the province's approach to funding major capital projects related to education, funding for First Nation schools will continue to be evaluated on a case by case basis within existing capital programs and is not included in this model.
Q.15 What happens if a First Nation chooses not to opt-in to the new approach?
A.15 Ninety-nine per cent of BC First Nations that operate schools have opted-in to the new approach. If a First Nation chooses not to opt-in to the new funding model under the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement, it would receive funding under the current Funding Formula administered by AANDC.
Q.16 What is the relationship between the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement and negotiations in support of education jurisdiction in BC?
A.16 All BC First Nations who operate schools may opt into the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement. First Nations currently in negotiations on self-government education agreements will be able to participate in the new model through the tripartite agreement while concluding their negotiations.
Q.17 Does the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement include an Own Source Revenue provision?
A.17 No. Own Source Revenue does not apply to the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement as it is not a self-government agreement.
Q.18 What effect did the National Panel on Education have on the new approach in the tripartite agreement?
A.18 The Tripartite Education Framework Agreement predates the report from the National Panel on Education. In fact, the report recognized the role of FNESC as a second-level school service provider and praises the BC First Nations education system as a success story.
