Aboriginal student success was a key focus in Saanich today with the signing of a second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement on National Aboriginal Day. These five-year agreements enhance the education of Aboriginal learners through programs and actions that promote academic success, positive self-esteem and cultural awareness.

Accompanied by Aboriginal drummers and singers, the signing ceremony for the second agreement was held today at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney. Today's event comes after a year of dedicated consultation and dialogue between the Indigenous Nations Education Council and parents, elders, communities and school district staff.

The event also acknowledged the importance of National Aboriginal Day, an annual event providing Canadians the opportunity to learn more about First Nation, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, wisdom, cultures and values.

One of the goals of the first agreement, signed in 2008, was for all students to develop increased awareness of Aboriginal culture. As a result, Stelly's Secondary school now offers an elective language course available to all students covering the SENCOTEN dialect, the traditional language spoken by the WSÁNEC people of Saanich. As well, a SENCOTEN iPhone app is available to download. The app is a media-rich bilingual dictionary featuring phrases archived by FirstVoices.com.

All Saanich partners will continue to work to achieve the three key goals outlined in the new agreement: developing increased awareness and respect for Aboriginal culture, history and traditions; developing increased sense of identity within a school community; and experiencing successful transitions.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"Enhancement Agreements aim to increase the quality of education and achievement of Aboriginal students. Appreciation of Aboriginal culture is key to First Nations' success."

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliations -

"National Aboriginal Day offers all Aboriginal peoples the opportunity to share their rich, diverse culture with all of Canada. Building Aboriginal programs into schools not only benefits Aboriginal students, but all students."

Wayne Hunter, Saanich board chair -

"Today's event strengthened the sense of identity for our Indigenous students. Saanich will continue to create strong student-teacher relationships for Indigenous students of all ages, as we work to increase successful transitions from school to the world beyond graduation."

Quick Facts:

• The Saanich school district is located on the traditional territory of the WSÁNEC (Saanich) people.

• Almost eight per cent of the total number of Saanich students 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:

Saanich school district: www.sd63.bc.ca

Aboriginal education: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed

SENCOTEN iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/sencoten/id467922659?mt=8

Media Contact:

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