SPENCES BRIDGE - A second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement (AEEA) for the Gold Trail school district has been signed in a ceremony held at a unique outdoor theatre.

Chief Tetlenitsa Theatre, where the Nicola and Thompson rivers meet, provided a dramatic backdrop for the celebration. With a design influenced by the traditional structure of an Interior Salish pit house, the theatre proved a perfect setting for a ceremony celebrating past and future.

As well as encouraging student achievement, AEEAs provide opportunities to explore an area's unique culture. Gold Trail features a program called the Summit Project that takes the learning of Biology 12 and Geography 11 outdoors. Students learn from and with the land and are supported in their learning by local elders.

AEEAs are five-year agreements to enhance the education of Aboriginal learners through programs and actions that promote academic success, positive self-esteem and cultural awareness. They are an integral part of B.C.'s efforts to transform the public education system.

The first Gold Trail AEEA was signed in 2005 by all nineteen area bands. The Aboriginal Nations Education Council has dedicated three years of consultation and dialogue to the creation of this second Agreement. To date, 53 districts have signed AEEAs. Over the last 10 years, the completion rate for Aboriginal students province-wide has increased by almost 11 per cent.

Quotes:

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender -

"This Enhancement Agreement models what we are talking about when we speak of transforming education and personalized learning, creating opportunities for students to engage in exciting place-based learning programs like the Summit Project."

Gold Trail board chair Carmen Ranta -

"The Enhancement Agreement signifies the important journey we are undertaking together towards improving success for Aboriginal students in Gold Trail, but also for the future success of all students. Respect, understanding, and cross-cultural learning will build a firm foundation for the future of our society."

Quick Facts:

• The Gold Trail school district is located on the traditional territory of the Nlakápamux, Secwépemc, and St'át'imc peoples that represent 19 First Nations.

• Close to 60 per cent of the total number of students in the district self-identify as Aboriginal.

• Provincial funding for Aboriginal education in 2011-12 was $63 million (through a supplement of $1,160 per student).

Learn More:

SD #74 (Gold Trail): http://www.sd74.bc.ca/

BC's Education Plan: http://WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA

Contact:

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