Education Initiatives

In partnership, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation supports the Ministry of Education, Advanced Education, the First Nations Education Steering Committee and other agencies that develop First Nations and Aboriginal education in British Columbia.

The Province is working to build stronger support for the revitalisation of traditional teachings and the honouring of elders as the keepers of Aboriginal knowledge, culture and languages. We are working together to better integrate Aboriginal languages, histories, cultures and world views into public school curriculum and improve the learning environment for First Nations and Métis students.

Through the Transformative Change Accord the province has committed to closing the socioeconomic gaps, including education, over a ten-year period.

Aboriginal Education Highlights:

• The First Nations Education Act (Bill 46-2007), received Royal Assent in the BC Legislature on November 29, 2007. This historic legislation complements the Federal government legislation, Bill C34, First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act. Both pieces of legislation are the culmination of years of negotiations involving Canada, the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), and British Columbia. First Nations who participate will be able to create their own legislation governing First Nations education in their schools on their lands.
• Launched a $65-million Aboriginal post-secondary strategy to help Aboriginal students to start, stay in and succeed in post-secondary education and training.
• Signed 44 Enhancement Agreements in the province with local Aboriginal leaders. The agreements will help improve Aboriginal student achievement.