Chiefs of Ontario launches Education Agreement Resources

Chiefs of Ontario launches Education Agreement Resources

(Toronto, ON – July 19, 2022)  The Chiefs of Ontario are proud to announce the launch of new Education Agreement resources. The Education Agreement resources aim to provide information to First Nations in Ontario on the benefits of Education Agreements. Through the creation of an informational video, overview document, and Education Agreement template, the Chiefs of Ontario have created a versatile and easy-to-use toolkit for First Nations to negotiate Education Agreements with Ontario school boards that meets their unique needs.

“First Nations learners deserve every opportunity to succeed. As leaders, teachers, and advocates for First Nations education, we must ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and remain connected to their culture and language,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare. “The Education Agreement resources are intended to improve the quality of education for First Nations learners by establishing collaborative relationships between First Nations communities and provincial school boards.”

It is important for First Nations to continue negotiating Education Agreements with school boards as they have for decades.  Education Agreements enable First Nations to ensure their learners have access to all necessary programs, services and supports when attending schools in the provincial education system. While the Reciprocal Education Approach, implemented by the province in 2019, addresses some longstanding issues for First Nations it does not cover all the cultural and linguistic programs, services and supports to foster holistic student success.

“Historically, Ontario schools have not been successful in providing equitable education services to First Nations students. Through these agreements, First Nations and provincial school boards will be able to support the cultural connections, diversity, and unique needs of First Nations students while promoting success for future generations.

I am pleased to acknowledge the COO Education Sector in their work to create these resources. Our goal is to ensure First Nations communities have the tools and information they need to improve the educational future of our young people.”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare

The Education Agreement resources are available on the Chiefs of Ontario Education Portal here: https://education.chiefs-of-ontario.org/priorities/lifelonglearning/education-agreements/. For more information, please contact Patrik.Lowen@coo.org.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Genna Benson
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Cell: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org

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