Minister Bennett signs historic Education Agreement with Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

WINNIPEG, Dec. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre are pleased to announce today the historic signing of an Education Governance Agreement for the creation of the Manitoba First Nations school board that will be fully operational for the 2017-18 school year.

This Agreement is designed to support First Nations-led education transformation and reflects Canada's commitment to support a quality and culturally relevant First Nations education system, developed and controlled by First Nations.

Through this Agreement, all parties commit to provide First Nations students with the tools they need to succeed in whichever path they choose to pursue.

Quotes

"First Nations control over First Nation education is critical to support indigenous pedagogy and learning environments that foster the secure personal cultural identity of its students.  Today we celebrate the vision and determination of First Nations in Manitoba by signing this historic education agreement."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"We are honoured to accept responsibility for education from the First Nations that are signing this historical agreement. The future looks bright for our children and youth with the increased funding that will allow for culturally relevant and high quality academic programming."

Lorne C. Keeper
Executive Director
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

Quick Facts

• The Manitoba First Nations School Board System Education Agreement will create a model that will be supported by a provincially comparable funding model with enhanced funding for Indigenous languages, culture and programming to foster academic achievement.
• The new funding model will be more flexible and allow for comparable salaries, new technology and enhanced support services for students and teachers. 
• This Agreement will benefit up to 9 First Nations and 11 schools with approximately 2,220 students, and will help support their goals for a quality education system.
• Other First Nations may join the school system as it evolves.

Associated Links

Budget 2016 Education

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160