FNESC developed the Proposed Topics for Indigenous Education Councils in BC Public Schools resource to support First Nation members of IECs in advocating for their learners and improving public education in British Columbia. The resource provides suggested topics to be raised at IEC tables, including relevant policies, data, and funding information that impacts First Nation learners to support improved outcomes and attendance. These topics were selected based on feedback from BC First Nations. Example topics included in the resource are:
- Indigenous Education Targeted Funds and Surplus
- Indigenous Education Council Capacity Funds and Surplus
- Alternate Education
- Attendance
First Nation IEC members are encouraged to use the resource in a way that best meets the needs of your local priorities and circumstances.
The School Amendment Act, which received Royal Assent on November 8, 2023, requires that each district establish an IEC to advise Boards of Education on programs and services for Indigenous students and on the integration of Indigenous world views and perspectives, in particular those of local First Nations in whose territories Boards operate schools. To support the implementation of this initiative, FNESC and ECC also co-developed a Ministerial Order, Policy, and a template Terms of Reference for IECs. These documents are compiled in FNESC’s School Act Amendments resource, available for download on the FNESC website.
