Québec’s auditor general Guylaine Leclerc says that the Government of Québec Education Department has done “little” to support Indigenous academic success. According to CTV News, Leclerc’s latest report has found a lack of funding and no guiding strategy for schools. The report states that “nearly 20 years after noting a success gap among Indigenous students, the Education Department is still taking little action to promote their success.” Students who transition from schools in First Nations communities to schools in QC’s education system are not properly supported and professionals working with these students do not have sufficient training. The report outlines how the language barrier further undermines student success, as many Indigenous students have a first language other than English or French but that language support for Indigenous students is “miniscule.” “[The Education Ministry] is not doing enough,” said Report Audit Director Sébastien Simard. “They must do more. They must do better. They must do differently.” The report includes nine recommendations, including defining and implementing indicators to improve success rates for Indigenous students.
