Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver, BC – The First Nations Summit views the introduction of the First Nations Education Act, as a critical step in improving opportunities and success rates for Aboriginal learners in BC. The provincial legislation formally recognizes First Nations authority and jurisdiction over decisions affecting First Nations learners in BC.
“This legislation is a concluding step in a long process in recognizing our communities’ jurisdiction to exercise authority and bear responsibility for our children’s education and development. We congratulate and commend the First Nations Education Steering Committee as well as the federal and provincial representative who have worked towards this legislation which will lead to greater educational opportunities within our communities”, said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive.
“While the number of First Nations graduates is increasing slowly, the sad fact is that too few of our students graduate high school. This legislation will assist our communities in building the capacity of our people so that we can develop and implement educational programs that will improve the success rates of our learners”, said Chief Judith Sayers, also a member of the First Nations Summit political executive.