The Peace River North school district (SD 60) signed its second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement (AEEA) today to help more Aboriginal students graduate and reach their dreams and goals.

The Ministry of Education, SD 60 and the Aboriginal Education Advisory Council signed the five-year agreement at a community celebration at the Aboriginal Education Centre. 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.

The goals of the agreement are:

• Improving the sense of well-being of all Aboriginal students
• Increasing awareness and understanding of local Aboriginal histories and cultures among all students
• Improving the academic success and graduation rates of all Aboriginal students

Over the last five years, the six-year completion rate for Aboriginal students has increased 10%, moving from 45% to 55% in SD 60.

These five-year agreements are a commitment by school districts, local Aboriginal communities and the Ministry of Education to work together to improve the education of Aboriginal student learners through programs and actions that support academic success and cultural awareness.

This agreement builds on the Government of British Columbia’s work to include Aboriginal history, culture and perspectives into B.C.’s new curriculum. Additionally, the Province has created a resource guide called Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom to help teachers bring Aboriginal content and perspectives into the classroom.

 Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“This partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support Aboriginal students in reaching their full potential. This agreement helps increase Aboriginal student engagement and academic achievement, and it brings awareness and understanding of local Aboriginal histories and cultures to the classroom.”

Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North –

“This agreement will give Aboriginal students in the Fort St. John area the support they need to succeed so they can take advantage of B.C.’s strong and growing economy.”

Ida Campbell, trustee, Peace River North School District –

“We are pleased to be celebrating the signing of our second enhancement agreement, which represents an ongoing commitment with First Nations students and communities. This agreement, along with the government’s new curriculum will give students the opportunity to pursue their passions, interests and reach their full potential in graduating.”

Linda Dufresne, signatory and member, SD 60 Aboriginal Education Advisory Council –

“With the signing of the second Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement, we will continue to move forward in the successful educational journey of all our Aboriginal students in the Peace River North school district.”

Quick Facts:

• To date, 109 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements have been signed throughout the province.
• Fifty-six districts have at least one Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement signed, with 34 on their second, seven on their third, and two on their fourth.
• SD 60 has a population of 1,186 Aboriginal students of the 6,265 total number of students in the district.
• SD 60 recognizes and acknowledges the traditional territory of the Dane Zaa, Treaty 8.
• The enhancement agreement uses feedback gathered consultation with parents, First Nations bands, and Aboriginal agencies, school district and community members.
• This year, B.C. government is investing more than $66 million to support Aboriginal education.

Learn More:

 Peace River North school district: http://www.prn.bc.ca/

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

B.C.’s new curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/awp_moving_forward.pdf