First Nations Schools
Last updated on January 23, 2024First Nation schools are funded by the federal government, through the department of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and operated by local First Nations.
In B.C., First Nations and their schools are supported by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA).
First Nation schools are outside of the Province’s jurisdiction except for those that choose to also become B.C. certified independent schools. These schools operate according to the Independent School Act (PDF).
At the same time, through the B.C. Tripartite Education Agreement (PDF) (BCTEA), B.C. plays a partnership role, helping to build capacity in this First Nations school system. B.C.’s TEA commitments include the following:
- Consulting early on changes to provincial education legislation, policy, standards, and funding
- Sharing expertise, learning resources, and bulk purchasing opportunities
- Giving on-reserve schools access to B.C. provincial exams and the Dogwood diploma
Agreements
- B.C. Tripartite Education Agreement (PDF) signed July 2018
- Tripartite Education Framework Agreement (PDF) signed January 2012
- Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement (PDF) signed July 2006
Resources