Province Makes Systemic Change To Improve Outcomes For K-12 Indigenous Students

Indigenous people will soon have more input into the decisions and processes affecting the education of Indigenous children and youth in B.C. public schools.

“These proposed changes acknowledge the crucial importance of First Nations involvement in the education of Indigenous students,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care.

“Part of reconciliation is to listen and make the changes needed to ensure First Nations students succeed in school.”

The Province is proposing amendments to the School Act intended to support better education outcomes for First Nations and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, and more effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations.

The proposed changes were developed with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and reflect consultation with First Nations and Indigenous people throughout B.C.

Tyrone McNeil, president, First Nations Education Steering Committee, welcomes the changes, saying Indigenous students, particularly First Nation students living on reserve, face systemic barriers that result in inequitable outcomes in the K-12 system.

Changes to the School Act will require all boards to establish an Indigenous education council (IEC) in their school district to ensure Indigenous people have input into decisions affecting Indigenous students.

The councils will support boards in the provision of ‘’ongoing, comprehensive, and equitable education and support services for Indigenous students.’’

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.