BC First Nations schools negotiate for self-governed education

Several First Nations schools in British Columbia have taken steps and made changes to secure a greater level of control over the education they offer. CBC says that 13 First Nations have been negotiating with the federal government on issues such as curriculum development, graduation requirements, and teacher and school certification. “It’s a very exciting time for us to take back that power, that governance, over education, and really work with our families and our children to see what would best serve them when they’re in school,” said Stephanie Atleo, who negotiated on behalf of the Cowichan Tribes. Four First Nations – the Lil’wat Nation, the Seabird Island Band, ʔaq̓am of the Ktunaxa Nation, and the Cowichan Tribes – have voted to ratify an agreement and will form a board to work on curriculum and teacher certification guidelines. In School District 57, the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band have partnered to form the Indigenous Education Leadership Table, which will aim to raise awareness about Indigenous values, protocols, and ways of knowing.