RDSB and 11 First Nations renew Education Service Agreements

Representatives of Rainbow District School Board and 11 First Nations will gather on Manitoulin Island on Thursday, September 24, 2015 to celebrate the renewal of Education Service Agreements. The celebration will begin at 11:30 am at the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute, 374 Highway #551 in M’Chigeeng.

In effect from September 2015 to August 2018, 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 Nation learners,” said Chair Doreen Dewar. “The agreements focus on success for First Nation students, enabling each student to achieve his or her full potential.”

The 11 First Nations are:
• Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
• Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation
• Dokis First Nation
• M’Chigeeng First Nation
• Sagamok Anishnawbek
• Sheguiandah First Nation
• Sheshegwaning First Nation
• Wahnapitae First Nation
• Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
• Whitefish River First Nation
• Zhiibaahaasing First Nation

The Rainbow District School Board’s First Nation Advisory Committee (FNAC), made up of representatives from each of the First Nations, advises the Board regarding matters affecting the establishment, development and delivery of programs and services for First Nation students, including reviewing the agreements.

“Once again, the agreements were developed with the vision and spirit of improving the educational performance of all learners and ensure that First Nation student’s Native history is respected and understood by all,” said Rainbow District School Board Trustee Grace Fox, Chair of the First Nation 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 continue to serve as an example of true equity.”

The parties to the Education Service Agreements have a continued understanding to increase academic success of First Nation learners, honour and support the language, culture, and history of the First Nation people whose territories are served by the Board, increase knowledge and understanding of First Nation people, build awareness of the important issues that affect First Nation 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 Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “The agreements reinforce our commitment to maintain our focus on academic and social factors. They also reinforce our commitment to inclusive programs and services. We have made tremendous progress in the past few years. We look forward to building on our successes for the ongoing benefit of First Nation learners.”

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 Nation, Métis and Inuit traditions, cultures and perspectives.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705.674.3171, ext. 7217.