What’s happening in Rainbow Schools?

Board and 11 First Nations Renew Education Service Agreements

September 18, 2009

Signing educational service agreements were, from left, Chief Craig Abotossaway, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation; Chief Elizabeth Laford, Sheshegwaning First Naion; Robert Pitfield, Wahnapitae First Nation; Dominic Beaudry, Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation; Tammy Assinewai, Sheguiandah First Nation; Chief Steve Miller, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek; Chief Denise Restoule, Dokis Fiirst Nation; Chief Franklin Paibomsai, Whitefish River First Nation; Shannon Towers, Sheguiandah First Nation; Chief Paul Eshkakogan, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation; Rainbow District School Board Chair Judy Hunda; Neil Debassige, M’Chigeeng First Nation; Rainbow District School Board Trustee Grace Fox, Chair of the First Nations Advisory Committee and Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Jean Hanson.

The Rainbow District School Board and 11 First Nations gathered in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek today to renew Education Service Agreements. A signing ceremony took place at the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Community Complex at 10 am.

The First Nations include:
• Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
• Sheguiandah First Nation
• Whitefish River First Nation
• M’Chigeeng First Nation
• Sheshegwaning First Nation
• Zhiibaahaasing First Nation
• Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
• Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
• Dokis First Nation
• Sagamok Anishnawbek
• Wahnapitae First Nation

In effect from September 2009 to August 2012, the agreements reaffirm Rainbow District School Board’s commitment to First Nation students. “These agreements officially recognize the importance of the heritage and history of First Nations in communities served by the Board and the unique characteristics of First Nations learners,” said Chair Judy Hunda. “The agreements focus on success for First Nation students, enabling each student to achieve his or her full potential.”

The Rainbow District School Board’s First Nation Advisory Committee (FNAC), with representatives from each of the First Nations, met over the past year to review and revise the agreements. The First Nation Advisory Committee advises the Board regarding matters affecting the establishment, development and delivery of programs and services for First Nation pupils.

“The agreements were developed with the vision and spirit of improving the educational performance of all learners and ensure that First Nations students have their Native history respected and understood by all,” said Rainbow District School Board Trustee Grace Fox, Chair of the First Nations Advisory Committee. Seven social factors provide the guiding principles – curricular and instructional practices, organizational practices, linguistic perspectives and practices, personnel equity, school culture, school/community involvement and relations and equity of educational outcomes.

“Based on equity and inclusiveness, the three-year agreements recognize the distinct qualities of First Nations and First Nation students, embrace the culture and values they bring to Rainbow Schools, and advocate for the learning needs of First Nation students as members of Rainbow Schools,” added Trustee Fox. “These agreements have gained recognition in the province for their educational focus. They will now serve as an example of true equity.”

The parties to the education service agreements have entered into an understanding to increase school success of First Nations learners, honour and support the language, culture, and history of the First Nations people whose territories are served by the Board, increase knowledge and understanding of First Nations people, build awareness of the important issues that affect First Nations learners in our schools, and bring about positive change for all students.

“We value our partnership with First Nations communities,” said Rainbow District School Board Superintendent Sharon Speir. “The agreements reinforce our commitment to maintain our focus on academic and social factors. They also reinforce our commitment to inclusive programs and services.”

The agreements are consistent with the Government of Ontario’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework that “First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in Ontario will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. They will have the traditional and contemporary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be socially contributive, politically active, and economically prosperous citizens of the world. All students in Ontario will have the knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions, cultures and perspectives.”

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Media Contact:

Sharon Speir, Superintendent of Schools,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7264.

Chief Paul Eshkakogan
Sagamok Anishnawbek