‘They’re the future of nations:’ $3M announced to help Indigenous students learn

NANAIMO — New funding to boost Indigenous education in B.C.

Education minister Rob Fleming visited Nanaimo District Secondary School to announce $3 million of provincial funding to create Local Education Agreements around the province.

The agreements revealed Friday, June 7 are between all school districts and the Indigenous communities they educate to create goals and expectations for the learning provided.

Ted Cadwallader, director of instruction for Indigenous learning with Nanaimo Ladysmith School District, said the agreement will help keep a focus on the nearly 300 Indigenous students among the roughly 14,000 SD68 student body.

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“It’s easy to blend them in to the rest of the population and forget about them. In actuality, they’re the future of those nations. If we do well by those students, those communities become stronger, healthier, smarter and more economically sufficient.” _{Ted Cadwallader}

In his work across the province, Cadwallader said he’s seen graduation rates improve and Indigenous students gain more success in communities with well-thought out and maintained agreements between all parties.

“It recognizes that First Nations are in the best positions to describe to school districts the type of education which best serves their kids.”

SD68 will receive roughly $20,500 to renew their agreement with Stz’uminus First Nation and update their current pact with Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Fleming said the announcement was held in Nanaimo to emphasize the great work which can happen within a school district when an agreement is successful.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit