Student performances, drumming, singing and traditional music highlighted a new agreement signing today to support Aboriginal student success in the Vancouver Island West school district (SD 84).

The district’s second Aboriginal Educational Enhancement Agreement (AEEA), is the result of three years of dialogue and consultation with students, parents, district staff and members of the local First Nations Education Liaison Committee (FNELC). The new agreement builds on the first, which focuses on four areas: community approach; culture and language; safe and healthy schools; and character education.

The six-year completion rate for Aboriginal students in the Vancouver Island West school district has improved dramatically from 0% in 2000-01 to 72.8% in 2013-14. The provincial six-year completion rate for Aboriginal students is now at a record-high of 61.6%.

The Ministry of Education and SD 84 recognizes and acknowledges the traditional territory of the Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Kyuquot/Cheklesaht, Mowachat/Muchalaht, and Nuchatlaht First Nations. This AEEA will set the foundation for continued Aboriginal student success and integration of Aboriginal content for all students for the next five years in the school district.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“The signing of an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement signifies a commitment to promote Aboriginal history and culture to students. The new agreement builds on the current relationships and will enhance an inclusive, caring environment for Aboriginal students, teachers and the community.”

Kathy Kennedy, board chair, Vancouver Island West -

“The Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement will move us forward and bring success to our students. With the involvement of Elders in the classroom, early post-secondary options and with our parents and teachers on board, we will be able to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of all. The pride we all have in our schools comes from working together and for that I am so thankful.”

Natalie Jack, Elder, Kyuquot -

“The Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement shows a commitment to our continued work together. We are all striving for one main goal - the ultimate success of all our students.”

Quick Facts:

• An AEEA is a commitment by school districts, local Aboriginal communities, and the Ministry of Education, to work together to support Aboriginal student success.
• The agreement establishes a collaborative partnership between Aboriginal communities and school districts that involves shared decision-making and specific goal setting to meet the educational needs of Aboriginal students.
• The FNELC includes representatives from Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Kyuquot/Cheklesaht, Mowachat/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and School District 84.
• To date, 54 school districts have at least one agreement signed.
• There are 184 Aboriginal students in SD 84, or nearly 50% of the 366 students in the district in 2014-15.
• Total K-12 Aboriginal enrolment in B.C. public schools is 61,811 or 11.2% this school year.

Media Contacts:

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