As part of its ongoing commitment to collaboration and allyship, the First Nations with Schools Collective (FNWSC) recently connected with Indigenous education leaders from First Nations in both Eastern and Western Canada.
The virtual meeting, held over Zoom in March, provided a valuable opportunity to exchange insights on Regional Education Agreements (REAs), funding reform, and the path toward full First Nations jurisdiction over education. FNWSC members heard firsthand from two guest speakers:
- Ivan Augustine, Director of Education for the Elsipogtog First Nation’s Education Authority in New Brunswick, spoke about the nation’s experience after entering into a Regional Education Agreement (REA) with the Government of Canada.
- Gerry Guillet Director of Education for the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority in Saskatchewan outlined the framework of his Athabasca’s education system and spoke about that community’s concerns around the REA process.
The event allowed all three groups to share experiences to help inform work to improve the funding model and reach full control over First Nation education/jurisdiction with Canada.
For FNWSC participants who did not attend but would like information on the presentation or to discuss the meeting, please contact Leslee White-Eye at lwhite-eye@fnwsceducation.com