More Aboriginal students are completing high school in B.C. than ever before, as the six-year completion rate climbed to 59.4 per cent in 2012-13.

The Aboriginal student completion rate has steadily improved over the past 10 years, rising from 45.9 per cent in 2002-03 (up 13.5 percentage points or 29.4 per cent increase). The provincial six-year completion rate for all B.C. students was 83.6 per cent last year, up from 79.1 per cent in 2002-03.

The six-year completion rate is the percentage of students who graduate with a Dogwood diploma within six years of starting Grade 8 for the first time.

There were 3,319 Aboriginal students who graduated with a Dogwood in 2012-13, an increase of 72 per cent since 2002-03.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"We want every Aboriginal student to achieve their best, and we have to ensure more of them graduate. As we work towards this goal, our partnerships with stakeholders and school districts will help us work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and in schools to promote new learning opportunities and address challenges."

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"It's important that we continue to build and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal communities across the province, through the negotiation of agreements, celebration of culture and support for aboriginal students and education."

DeDe DeRose, Superintendent of Aboriginal Achievement -

"As work is underway to transform the education system, there is a strong focus on improving Aboriginal student achievement and at the same time, looking for ways to have all of our students better understand Aboriginal cultures and history."

Quick Facts:

• Aboriginal student enrolment in B.C. public schools in 2012-13 was 61,364 students, or 10.9 per cent of the total K-12 student population.
• In 2012-13, approximately $63 million ($1,160 per student) was provided to districts for students who self-identify as being of Aboriginal ancestry. This funding is in addition to per pupil funding provided to school districts.
• 53 school districts in B.C. have signed an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement (AEEA). The agreements support a partnership between Aboriginal communities and school districts that involves shared decision-making and specific goal-setting to meet the educational needs of aboriginal students.

Learn More:

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

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

First Nations Education Steering Committee: www.fnesc.ca

Contact:

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