In 1998, FNESC and the FNSA helped to found the BC Aboriginal Education Partners Group, which brings together a range of education organizations and government agencies relevant to the K-12 education system with the goal of improving the success of Aboriginal students in BC. The Partners meet quarterly and have set out goals and a work plan for improving student outcomes.
BC Aboriginal Education Partners Group, has grownto include some of the most significant stakeholders in the BC education system, including FNESC, the FNSA, AANDC, the BC Ministry of Education, the BC Teachers’ Federation, the BC Teacher Regulation Branch, the BC School Trustees Association, the BC Superintendents Association, the BC Confederation of Parents Advisory Councils, the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, United Native Nations, and the BC Métis Nation. In 1999, the organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify their partnership.
The Partners are working together to achieve the following goals.
- Increase collaboration among the partners
- Increase the number of qualified Aboriginal educators
- Increase understanding and respect for First Peoples’ knowledge, cultures and histories
- Incorporate Aboriginal perspectives into all education decision-making
The cooperative efforts of the Education Partners are focused on developing effective information sharing and the growth of initiatives designed to enhance the success of First Nations learners. FNESC and the FNSA also continue to work with individual Education Partner organizations on specific initiatives.