Key Advancements

By working together, sharing our experiences and ideas, and speaking with a united voice, First Nations and First Nation schools in British Columbia have made significant advances in First Nations education.

BC Tripartite Education Agreement

FNESC negotiated a regional tripartite education agreement that includes a flexible and effective funding model for First Nation schools as well as funding for comprehensive second and third level services to support the BC First Nations education system.

School Act Amendments

FNESC co-developed amendments to the BC School Act to improve First Nation student outcomes and attendance through processes that respect the inherent authority of First Nations. The 2023 amendments address Local Education Agreements, Indigenous Education Councils, and First Nation Schools of Choice.

First Nations Education Jurisdiction

For decades, First Nations have sought recognition of their inherent right to control their education systems, a critical component to improving the quality of education provided to First Nations learners.

Indigenous-focused Graduation Requirement

FNESC successfully advocated an Indigenous-focused graduation requirement that ensures all secondary students take four credits of Indigenous-focused coursework to graduate with a Dogwood Diploma.

First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes Act

FNESC, IAHLA and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills co-developed legislation that recognizes the critical role that First Nations mandated post-secondary institutes play in the BC post-secondary education system, and commits the Province to provide operational and capacity funding for eligible institutes.