School board, First Nations sign education agreements

Rainbow District School Board has renewed agreements for 11 First Nations whose members attend the board's schools.

These education service agreements are in effect from September 2012 to August 2015.

“These agreements officially recognize the importance of the heritage and history of First Nations in communities served by the board and the unique characteristics of First Nations learners,” Doreen Dewar, the school board's chair, said in a press release.

“The agreements focus on success for First Nation students, enabling each student to achieve his or her full potential.”

The Rainbow District School Board’s First Nation Advisory Committee (FNAC), with representatives from each of the First Nations, met over the past year to review and revise the agreements.

The First Nation Advisory Committee advises the board regarding matters affecting the establishment, development and delivery of programs and services for First Nation students.

“Once again, the agreements were developed with the vision and spirit of improving the educational performance of all learners and ensures that First Nations student’s Native history is respected and understood by all,” trustee Grace Fox, who is also chair of the First Nation Advisory Committee, said.

Seven social factors provide the guiding principles - curricular and instructional practices, organizational practices, linguistic perspectives and practices, personnel equity, school culture, school/community involvement and relations and equity of educational outcomes.

“Based on equity and inclusiveness, the three-year agreements recognize the distinct qualities of First Nations and First Nation students, embrace the culture and values they bring to Rainbow Schools, and advocate for the learning needs of First Nation students as members of Rainbow Schools,” Fox said.

“These agreements have gained recognition in the province for their educational focus. They continue to serve as an example of true equity.”

The parties to the Education Service Agreements have entered an understanding to increase academic success of First Nations learners, honour and support the language, culture, and history of the First Nations people whose territories are served by the board, increase knowledge and understanding of First Nations people, build awareness of the important issues that affect First Nations learners in our schools, and bring about positive change for all students.

“We value our partnership with First Nations communities,” Sharon Speir, a superintendent with the board, said.

“The agreements reinforce our commitment to maintain our focus on academic and social factors. They also reinforce our commitment to inclusive programs and services. We have made tremendous progress in the past few years. We look forward to building on our successes for the ongoing benefit of First Nations learners.”

The 11 First Nations who have signed agreements with the board are:

- Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
- Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
- Dokis First Nation
- M’Chigeeng First Nation
- Sagamok Anishnawbek
- Sheguiandah First Nation
- Sheshegwaning First Nation
- Wahnapitae First Nation
- Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
- Whitefish River First Nation
- Zhiibaahaasing First Nation

Posted by Arron Pickard