The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says a new agreement with the provincial government ensures First Nations control over education.
The vice-chief of the FSIN, Bobby Cameron, and provincial education minister Don Morgan signed a memorandum agreement Wednesday in Saskatoon.
The deal — a first of its kind in Canada — acknowledges mutual respect between theFSIN and the Ministry of Education, and reaffirms that the two will continue to work together to improve education for First Nations. The agreement also means each First Nation in Saskatchewan will have the ability to make their own decisions regarding education.
“This agreement has been vetted through the proper FSIN governance processes and ensures that the control and jurisdiction of First Nations education remains with each respective First Nation,” read a media release from FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
“The FSIN will continue to advocate for the protection of our Treaty and Inherent rights for all sectors. This is very exciting for First Nations education in Saskatchewan.”
Both Cameron and Morgan said they hope the agreement leads to higher graduation rates among First Nations and Metis students in the province.
“We want our treaty Indian youth to be part of this economy, to take their rightful place in society. Obviously that begins with a high-quality education,” said Cameron.
According to Morgan, graduation rates for First Nations students in Saskatchewan is about 30 percent while the provincial average is more than 70 per cent. The province wants to cut that gap in half by 2020, he said.
