Notes for an Address by

The Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and
Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians
On the occasion of the signing of the
Tripartite Agreement on Education Jurisdiction
Xweme'lch'stn Estimxwawtxw School
Squamish Nation Community

North Vancouver, British Columbia
July 5, 2006

Thank you, Chief George. Good morning elders, Chiefs, Premier Campbell, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I am proud to be here today on behalf of the Prime Minister and Canada’s new government and to participate in this historic event, which will dramatically change First Nations education in BC … and, I believe, provide a new model that can be replicated across Canada.

This agreement will open the door to more high-quality education for First Nations students in British Columbia.

Though the agreement we’ve signed is complex, its significance for First Nations students is simple: it will enable them to acquire a quality education that will meet provincial standards, and will also have cultural depth and resonance.

Not only will students be equipped with the educational tools they need to enjoy a prosperous future, but they will also be firmly grounded in their culture and heritage.

The Greek philosopher Diogenes once said that, “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”

And we all know that to be true.

Over the years, dozens of studies have demonstrated that the quality of education young people receive is one of the most accurate predictors of the standard of living they will experience in adulthood.

Knowledge is the key to self-sufficiency, enhanced quality of life and greater success for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike.

There are two aspects of the agreement that I find particularly significant: one, it focuses on enabling students to achieve measurable, tangible and sustainable academic results; and two, it illustrates the considerable advantages of determined partnership and patient negotiation.

On behalf of all Canadians, I salute those who worked so hard for so many years to complete this agreement.

With our signatures, Premier Campbell and I commit to putting necessary legislative measures in place.

Likewise, Chief Negotiator Nathan Matthew commits FNESC—the First Nations Educational Steering Committee—to helping First Nations develop the legal and organizational means to deliver top-quality education programs and services.

While all of us are pleased that the agreement clears the way for First Nations in British Columbia to assume control over education, our work is far from done.

We must make the most of this opportunity and maximize the benefits for students. And we must recognize that First Nations across Canada are watching closely, eager to realize the substantial benefits associated with control over education.

This agreement now in place in British Columbia and the Mi’kmaq Education Authority in Nova Scotia can serve as models for other provinces.

Agreements like this one are the future of First Nations education across Canada. And I look forward to more events like this one in the years to come … as we work with more provinces and more First Nations to enhance the educational opportunities for Aboriginal children.

This agreement is emblematic of a new approach and a fresh spirit of partnership.

Canada’s new government is committed to working with First Nations on structural reforms which address underIying causes and help to build capacity for First Nations governance.

The agreement we sign today is a tangible example of what a productive partnership can accomplish.

Canada’s new government is establishing other partnerships to address pressing issues that affect First Nations communities every day, such as drinking water and matrimonial real property on reserve.

Today, it is appropriate that we pause to celebrate a turning point in the critical issue of First Nations education.

Tomorrow, though, we must continue our pursuit of a much larger goal: creating the conditions that enable all Canadians—Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike—to participate fully in the prosperity of this country.

Thank you.

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