Program Authority and Administration

The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) provides funding to band councils or other First Nation education authorities to support instructional services for status Indians residing on reserve. This includes provisions for instructional services in on-reserve schools, (First Nation-operated and federal), the reimbursement of costs of on-reserve students attending provincial schools and funding for the provision of student support services such as transportation, counselling, accommodation and financial assistance.

The Indian Act sets out the Minister's powers to arrange for the education of Indian children. The program has evolved over time as a result of government policy and is operated under the broad authorities provided through the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Act.

Objective

The objective of the Elementary/Secondary Education Program is to ensure that eligible Indians have access to the education programs and services available in public schools in the province in which the reserve is located.

Eligibility

Indians or Inuit normally resident on a reserve or Crown land.

Current Allocations

Elementary/secondary education expenditures have increased from $703.8 million in 1992-1993 to an estimated $1,029.6 million in 2001-2002.

Current Situation

Since 1991-1992, the enrolment of First Nation children in elementary and secondary schools has increased from 96,594 to more than 119,000 in 2002-2003. . There are presently 502 schools on reserve, all but 8 are under First Nation management.

Key Initiatives

Special Education

Funding for the Special Education Program is an investment in programs and services for First Nation children with identified special needs. Program funds have been provided to improve the quality of education and level of support services for eligable students with special needs. Based upon the identified special needs of students, Special Education Program funding will provide First Nations with the support to deliver appropriate programs for students identified with moderate to profound special education needs.