With the fastest growing Aboriginal student graduation rate in the province, there was much to celebrate as the Sea to Sky school district signed its second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement today. These five-year agreements are a commitment by school districts, local Aboriginal communities, and the Ministry of Education to work together to support Aboriginal learners.

The signing took place at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, designed to evoke the longhouses of the Squamish people and the Istken (traditional earthen pit house) of the Lil'wat people. After sharing a meal, guests enjoyed performances by the Squamish Nation Dance Group and the St'át'yemc Dance Group and received gifts to mark the occasion.

Much progress has been made since the first Agreement was signed. The six-year completion rate for Aboriginal students in the district has risen from 35.4 per cent in 2008-09 to 72.8 per cent in 2012-13, more than 13 percentage points higher than the provincial Aboriginal student rate. As well, there are homework and culture clubs for Aboriginal students, each Nation hosts special graduation ceremonies, the St'át'yemcets Language program for K-4 is now being offered and the Skwxwú7mesh language K-12 Integrated Resource Package (IRP) is under-development.

Each school has a teacher representative on the Shared Learnings Committee and every School Improvement Plan incorporates Enhancement Agreement goals. The district has an Aboriginal student population of 586 of the 4,313 total number of students, or 13.6 per cent. (Based on 2012-13 statistics)

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"The remarkable progress being made in Sea to Sky and other districts is proving that these agreements are working to support Aboriginal student success and ensuring that these students feel valued members of every classroom."

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky -

"The work being done to integrate Aboriginal history and culture into our classrooms is clearly paying dividends, not only for Aboriginal students but also for all students in the district. I want to congratulate the partners who are enriching our schools in this way."

Rick Price, Sea to Sky board chair -

"I want to thank all those who have brought us to this day of celebration. The success of our Aboriginal students in the district is a significant tribute to their hard work. In addition, it reflects a high level of determination and collaboration on the part of our educators and the Aboriginal community."

Quick Facts:

• The Sea to Sky school district is located on the traditional territory of the N'Quatqua, Lil'wat and Squamish Nations.
• More Aboriginal students in B.C. are completing high school than ever before as the six-year completion rate has climbed by almost 30 per cent (or 13.5 percentage points) from 45.9 per cent in 2002-03 to 59.4 per cent in 2012-13.
• Provincial funding for Aboriginal education is $64.2 million for 2013-14, (through a supplement of $1,160 per student).

Learn More:

Sea to Sky School District: http://sd48seatosky.org/

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

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

Media Contact:

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