The Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Mi’kmaq First Nations of Prince Edward Island have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on education. The MOU will support the province’s First Nation learners from early childhood through to post-secondary education.
The Memorandum of Understanding provides a common vision for the educational success of Mi’kmaq learners, supporting them in reaching their full learning potential.
This agreement provides:
• a framework for collaboration that includes the development of a comprehensive joint education action plan;
• a provincial commitment to reinvest a portion of tuition payments received from First Nations into educational programming for First Nation students;
• the development of new Tuition Fee Agreements designed to support Mi’kmaq learners who attend public schools;
• a support for learner transitions between grade levels and school systems;
• the establishment of culturally affirming policies and programs; and
• the creation of new performance criteria and indicators to measure the improved educational outcomes.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by federal Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan, provincial Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram, provincial Education Minister Doug Currie, Innovation and Advance Learning Minister Allan Campbell, Chief Brian Francis of the Abegweit First Nation and Chief Darlene Bernard of the Lennox Island First Nation. Both chiefs are co-chairs of the board of directors of Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island.
“From kindergarten to university, education shapes our lives and our opportunities. I am proud to be a participant in this historic partnership to support the Island’s First Nation learners on their education journey,” said Duncan. “I am confident that this agreement is a significant step towards delivering real, meaningful results and improving educational outcomes for First Nation students on Prince Edward Island.”
“By giving the Mi’kmaq community a stronger presence in our schools, we are providing the framework for student success as well as enhancing the cultural understanding of all students," said Bertram.
"Our community members, living on and off reserve, understand the important role education plays in the development of strong and healthy families," said Francis. "As leaders, to best position our communities for a sustainable growth and continued success, we need to provide our citizens with every opportunity to gain a quality education."
