One year after the damning report by the AGQ: the government remains silent, the First Nations Education Council acts

Wendake, November 21, 2025 – One year ago, the Auditor General of Quebec exposed major obstacles to the educational success of Indigenous students: the lack of a provincial strategy despite 20 years of findings, poorly managed transitions, unsafe environments, unstable funding, and more. Since then? No convocation, no action plan, no concrete action.

“The report is public, yet the government is not assuming its responsibilities. The time has come for the Committee on Public Administration to request a genuine action plan from the Minister of Education, with clear targets and concrete measures to address these shortfalls and to finally support the educational success of Indigenous students,” declared Denis Gros-Louis, Director General of the First Nations Education Council.

Why this press release?

Because inaction leads to real consequences: Indigenous students deprived of equal opportunities in the provincial system.

Because we bring solutions: culturally safe educational services, recognized expertise, and a clear vision to break down systemic barriers.

And the government?

Despite our repeated invitations to the Minister of Education and his team, we have not received any response.

“The government is not going to the Round Table on the Educational Success of First Nations Students, even though it is the only place where the government and First Nations work hand in hand.” – Manon Massé, Member for Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques, Québec Solidaire

“We want to collaborate, but for the time being, we are moving forward on our own. The

government is avoiding us, even though the Table is an initiative that it put in place. It is the only forum that provides it with an accurate reading of the realities experienced by our students on the ground and to implement concerted solutions. The time has come for it to finally provide the expected leadership”, concludes Denis Gros-Louis.

Our initiatives

On August 12, 27 participants from 13 different organizations gathered for the first time around the Table de concertation en éducation… without the government.

“We cannot wait. We are working hard so that each student has access to equitable services,” states Annie Gros-Louis, Educational Services Director at the First Nations Education Council.

The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and its partners have introduced even more concrete initiatives since the report was filed:

⦁ Development of the First Nations Citizenship and Cultures program, which promotes Indigenous knowledge and identities in school environments

⦁ Implementation of a culturally responsive sexuality education program for Indigenous students, from elementary to secondary

⦁ The drafting of a user guide for Competency 15 (reinforce Indigenous culture, history and knowledge by following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee)

“Here is what we bring to the table: concrete solutions for the success of Indigenous students. Our young people have acquired the necessary skills to meet the requirements of the provincial system, while benefiting from a culturally secure education. It is time that this reality be fully recognized,” adds Annie Gros-Louis.

One year after the AGQ report, in spite of damning conclusions, our efforts and those of our partners are bearing fruit. The success of Kiuna College, the first college centre devoted to the education of Indigenous peoples in Quebec, demonstrates that tangible solutions work and enhance educational success. Today, the willingness of universities to support us in the House of Knowledge project, the first university by and for First Peoples in Quebec, confirms that together, we can go further.

About the First Nations Education Council

The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is an association of 22 First Nations in Quebec that has been working for more than 40 years to fulfil the right of First Nations to exercise full jurisdiction over education by developing a comprehensive education system with appropriate resources, designed and managed according to First Nations values and culture. For more information, go to www.cepn-fnec.com

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To learn more:

Mona Belleau

Communications and Government Relations Services Director

418 842-7672 mbelleau@cepn-fnec.com

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