BACKGROUNDER

First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act

On July 5, 2006, an historic Framework Agreement was signed by the federal and provincial governments and First Nations in British Columbia, represented by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), signifying an important milestone for First Nations' control over First Nations' education in British Columbia.

The Framework Agreement outlined a process of transferring jurisdictional responsibilities to interested First Nations for on-reserve education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. An integral part of that process is the development of federal legislation, Bill C-34.

First Nations that opt to participate in education jurisdiction will enter into a Canada-First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreement. This agreement will give the Participating First Nations control over education in their communities. They will design and deliver education programs and services which are culturally-relevant for their communities and provincially recognized, thus enhancing the quality of education for students.

For Participating First Nations these agreements will increase their decision-making and control over education on-reserve and ensure accountability for educational outcomes. The agreements will also address the issue of students moving between the provincial and on-reserve education systems. For children this will mean a high-quality and consistent education no matter where they go to school.

With the passage of Bill C-34, a First Nation Education Authority will be established to support First Nations in exercising education jurisdiction. The Act will support Participating First Nations in three key areas:

• Teacher Certification
• School Certification
• Establishment of Curriculum and Examination Standards

For those Participating First Nations, sections 114 to 122 of the Indian Act, which relate specifically to education, will no longer apply. All other aspects of the Indian Act will continue to apply.

For more information:

British Columbia Region Web Site

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