Another First Nation Joins the Mi'kmaq Education Agreement in Nova Scotia
OTTAWA, June 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Bernard Valcourt, and Chief Sidney Peters of the Glooscap First Nation announced today that members of the First Nation will now be part of the Mi'kmaq Education Agreement (Agreement) in Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada firmly believes First Nations students deserve a quality education, like every other Canadian. The Agreement, in place since 1997, is a model for First Nation self-government in education which recognizes local decisions on education, including language, history, identity, and customs in the regular curriculum.
Under the Agreement, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, the education authority, supports the delivery of education programs and services to a number of elementary and secondary schools, in addition to Kindergarten programs, in collaboration with the participating First Nation communities. As well, the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey manages special education services, post-secondary education programming, education capital funding, school technology services, and tuition agreements with Nova Scotia's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for those on-reserve students who attend provincial schools.
Quick Facts
- Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey reported a high school graduation rate of 87.7% in the 2012-2013 school year , an 86.3% school attendance rate, and more than 500 students enrolled in post-secondary education. The Nova Scotia school system maintained a high school graduation rate of 88.6% in 2011-2012.
- Nearly 3,000 Kindergarten to grade 12 students on-reserve and approximately 500 post secondary students are served by the Agreement annually.
- Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq First Nations enjoy the highest secondary school completion rates which is more than twice the national rate of 35% for First Nations students living on reserve.
- In conjunction with Nova Scotia Education and post-secondary institutions, work continues on incorporating Mi'kmaq language and heritage studies in provincial curriculum and promoting the use of the Mi'kmaq language.
Quotes
"First Nation students deserve the same access to a quality education as other Canadians. The addition of the Glooscap First Nation to the Mi'kmaq Education Partnership will improve support to students in the education system, and I am pleased to announce this great accomplishment today for the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and its participating members."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"Being part of self-government in education is definitely a move forward. Coming from a small community and lacking funding and capacity development has resulted in losing out on opportunities for our youth. The opportunities that MK can offer will be beneficial to our youth and our community as a whole. We are excited and look forward to participating on the work to improve the quality of education for all our people."
Chief Sidney Peters
Glooscap First Nation
"Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey is committed to improving the quality of education for the Mi'kmaw students. This agreement affirms Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and Glooscap First Nation's working relationship and mutual dedication to ensuring the students of Glooscap receive the best possible educational experience, and that they are comprehensively prepared to become confident, skilled, and educated individuals who will create a strong future for their community."
Eleanor Bernard
Executive Director of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey
Related Products
Backgrounder: Agreement with Respect to the Mi'kmaq Education in Nova Scotia
Associated Links
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey Annual Report 2012-2013
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Contacts
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Chief Sidney Peters
Glooscap First Nation
902-684-9788
Meghan Finney
Communications Coordinator
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey
902-567-0336
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