Traditional songs sung by Haida First Nation members opened a milestone event in the Haida Gwaii school district (SD 50) today, as representatives of the provincial government, school district and local bands signed their first Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement.

These agreements are commitments between the signatories to support Aboriginal student success and the inclusion of Aboriginal culture as well as history in classrooms.

In a district where more than half of the students are Aboriginal, Haida culture and language are an integral part of the school curriculum. First Nations Elders work with teachers to instruct children in traditional weaving, food-gathering and cooking. To promote literacy, students and educators created an alphabet book, B is for Basketball, which reflects their heritage as well as their love of basketball. This published book is available throughout the province.

The collaboration between the school district and the Haida Nation is already making a positive impact on Aboriginal students. Since 2006, the number of Aboriginal students completing high school in Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte has increased every year. In 2010-11, 60 per cent of the district's Aboriginal students graduated with a Dogwood diploma, compared to an average of 54 per cent of Aboriginal students in the province.

Quotes:

Haida Gwaii board of education chair Elizabeth Condrotte -

"This enhancement agreement is the result of extensive consultations with the Old Massett Village Council, the Skidegate Band Council, the Council of the Haida Nation and the Ministry of Education. It represents our dedication to helping our students gain the skills they need in life while maintaining a close connection to their rich heritage."

Principal of Aboriginal Education Joanne Yovanovich -

"The district and Haida communities have collaborated for years to provide students with the skills they need to pursue their goals. We have embraced the philosophy of culturally responsive education, which we have found engages Aboriginal students, increases their success rates and fosters positive as well as respectful relationships."

Quick Facts:

• SD 50 is located in the traditional territory of the Haida Nation. It is the furthest Western District in B.C. (the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District).
• Approximately 65 per cent of the Haida Gwaii school district's students are Aboriginal. In the current 2011-12 school year, there are 425 First Nations children enrolled in the district (out of a total of 655 students).
• To date, 53 school districts have signed Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements.
• Provincial funding for Aboriginal education in 2010-11 was $62.9 million ($1,160 per student).

Learn More:

Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/agreements/

SD 50 (Haida Gwaii): http://sd50.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963