The Ministry of Education is committed to do more to “close the gaps” in education outcomes between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal students – a key recommendation in today’s Auditor General’s audit of the education of Aboriginal Students in British Columbia.

Education Minister Mike Bernier said government accepts each of the 11 recommendations in the report and agrees with the need to continue improving Aboriginal outcomes in B.C.’s education system.

Bernier said the province will continue working with partners across the education sector – including the Ministry of Education and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) – to make sure Aboriginal students have the same outcomes as the rest of the population.

Steps already taken include:

• A recently signed protocol agreement between the Ministry of Education and FNESC to help guide further collaboration that will benefit B.C.’s Aboriginal students.
• Aboriginal components in every grade and every subject of B.C.’s new curriculum, and a direct addressing of the history and legacy of residential schools.
• Dedication of this year’s government-directed teachers professional development day on improving Aboriginal student learning – the first time Aboriginal education is to be the sole area of focus for professional development across the province.

• Continuing to promote Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements between school districts and local First Nations to bring Aboriginal culture, perspectives and traditions into the classroom for the benefit of Aboriginal and non-aboriginal students alike. (56 districts have signed agreements.)

B.C. has made significant progress over the past 15 years with Aboriginal graduation rates rising from 39% in 2000 to up to 62% in 2014. As well, more Aboriginal students are staying in school, performing better on provincial exams, graduating, and transitioning to postsecondary institutions or training programs each and every year.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“We accept all of the report’s recommendations and our need to keep improving Aboriginal education outcomes in B.C. We have a responsibility to Aboriginal students, to their parents, and to all communities to build on how far we have come. We are going to keep working together with our partners so one day soon there are no achievement gaps between Aboriginal students and all other students.”

Tyrone McNeil, FNESC President –

“Education is a shared responsibility and the province has a formal commitment to work with FNESC to improve education outcomes for First Nations learners in B.C. We look forward to continuing our positive working relationship with a focus on advancing the recommendations of the Auditor General and the priorities of First Nations Leadership.”

Quick Facts:

• This school year there are approximately 66,600 Aboriginal students in both public and independent schools, or about 10.5% of the total student population in B.C.
• Through the ongoing provincial curriculum revision, Aboriginal culture and perspectives have been integrated throughout the grade levels and the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system will be further enhanced.
• The ministry has developed a teacher resource that helps educators integrate Aboriginal content into the curriculum.

Learn More:

First Nations Education Steering Committee: http://www.fnesc.ca/

Aboriginal education, Ministry of Education: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/