First Nations from across Canada are leading a review of federal post-secondary education programming. Technical teams of students, directors of education, post-secondary coordinators,  members of the Chiefs Committee on Education, National Indian Education Council and representatives from First Nation education institutions are preparing recommendations to ensure improved access to post-secondary education and improved supports required for student success for First Nations. This work is in response to an announcement made in the 2017 federal budget.

Budget 2017 announced that the Government of Canada would undertake a comprehensive and collaborative review with Indigenous partners of all current federal programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. The purpose of the review is to ensure that these programs meet the needs of individual students while supporting attendance at, and completion of, a post-secondary degree or credential.

In accordance with AFN Resolution 14/2017, Post-Secondary Education Federal Review, First Nations led their own review with a separate First Nations report.

Two technical tables were established – one to address the needs of First Nation students, the second to address the needs of First Nation education institutions. First Nations representatives from across Canada came together over 9 days in 2017-2018 to discuss the needs of First Nations post-secondary education. The independent facilitators leading the review process looked for input on current challenges, needs and goals from the perspectives of First Nation students and First Nation education institutions. The final review and report was accepted by Chiefs in Assembly via AFN Resolution 29/2018, First Nations Post-Secondary Education Review Report and Recommendations.

The independent facilitators leading the review process are looking for input on current challenges, needs and goals from the perspectives of First Nation students and First Nation education institutions.

In accordance with a number of national resolutions, including the most recently passed AFN resolution 29/2018 First Nations Post-Secondary Education Review Report and Recommendations,  the AFN Chiefs Committee on Education and National Indian Education Council were directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly to facilitate the drafting of a new federal policy for First Nations post-secondary education.  The overall goal of this effort is to secure adequate funding and supports for post-secondary students and First Nations Institutions of Higher Learning.

Together with the CCOE and NIEC, AFN brought together First Nations experts and leaders in education to develop a draft policy proposal based on the long-standing goal of First Nations control of First Nations education and the long-sought after improvements to federal programming and supports for First Nations post-secondary students. The draft proposal outlines specific budget asks with the intent to support First Nations in designing and implementing their own Treaty-based, self-government based or regionally-based models of post-secondary education.

In December 2018 Chiefs-in-Assembly supported the First Nations Post-Secondary Policy Proposal as the First Nations submission in an Indigenous Services Memorandum to Cabinet.

For more information please contact an AFN education team member via 1-866-869-6789 or the CCOE member in your region.  Listing of CCOE members.