First Nations Governance Framework

A Discussion Paper

Draft – December 3, 2004

First Nations Education Steering Committee

Purpose of the draft paper …

describe governance framework that First Nations could use

stimulate discussion refine proposals

Discussion paper …

A. Objectives

B. Governance Structure

C. Sample Legislative framework

D. Central Education Authority

Funding levels for Band schools are 22% lower than those of BC public schools1.

1Postle (2004).

Major obstacle …

Key targets… funding policy

Equity with BC public schools Language and culture grants Sufficient funds -- school buildings Funds to support new governance

Part A

Objectives

Why are First Nations seeking recognition of their jurisdiction over education?

1. To establish authority and control over the education of their children.

2. To establish authority and control over their schools.

3. To enable First Nations children

- to reach their individual potential- to develop pride in their language &

culture- to acquire the knowledge, skills and

attitudes necessary to contribute to the social and economic progress of First Nations and of Canada.

4. To increase the proportion of students

- who are fluent in their language and culture

- who attain high standards in basic skills- who graduate from secondary school- who continue their studies or join the

workforce following graduation.

Why are First Nations seeking recognition of their jurisdiction over education?

Part B

Governance Structure

Jurisdiction over education …

First Nation Band Council

Jurisdiction over education …

First Nation Band Council

Jurisdiction over:

• K-12 Education

• Status, on reserve

First Nations learners

First Nation Band Council

Power to create education laws, establish schools, hire teachers, set budgets...

Jurisdiction over:

• K-12 Education

• Status, on reserve

First Nations learners

Delegation of certain powers …

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

duties defined by Band Council

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

Membership options …

• appointed by Council• special skills• elected by community

Joint Community Authority …Firs

t Nat

ion B

and C

ouncil

JointCommunityEducationAuthority

First Nation Band Council

First Nation Band Council

Delegation to the Central Authority …

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

CentralEducationAuthority

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

CentralEducationAuthority

• curriculum framework

• teacher certification

• school certification

First Nation Band Council

CentralEducationAuthority

CommunityEducationAuthority

Part C

Legislative framework for First Nation Band Council

an example …

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

In this example …

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

Creates basic laws- student and parent rights- personnel- Finance

Defines duties of Community Education Authority

Section 1 – Students and parents

Student rights and duties Parent rights and duties Examination of student records Appeals

example …

Student rights A person is entitled to enroll in an

education program provided by the Community Education Authority if the person

a) is of school age, and b) is resident on that reserve.

Section 2 – school personnel

Employees Teacher duties Principal duties Teacher and principal certification Report of dismissal, suspension &

suspension Personnel policies

4.1 The Community Education Authority may employ a person as a teacher or school principal or administrator if that person is certified according to the standards set by the First Nations Central Education Authority.

Example …

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

Section 3 – Community Education Authority

First Nation Band Council

CommunityEducationAuthority

Duties:a) new schoolsb) school propertyc) education programd) language and culture programe) school calendarf) hire teachersg) student records and privacyh) school budgets & financial reportsi) liaison Central Authorityj) cooperation – integrated deliveryk) agreements with school boards etcl) annual report to the Band Council

Section 3 – Community Education Authority

Section 4 -- Finance

Federal funding Annual budget Student funding Insurance Accounts and audits Funding policies

Example …

Student funding

Tuition fees for First Nations students who are resident on reserve and who are attending public schools will be funded by the Community Education Authority in accordance with agreements between First Nations and the province.

an example …

Legislative framework for First Nation Band Council

Part D

Central Education Authority

proposed policies/standards …

First Nation Band Council

CentralEducationAuthority

Powers originate with the First Nations …

First Nation Band Council

CentralEducationAuthority

Band Councils elect or appoint representatives

First Nation Band Council

CentralEducationAuthority

curriculum framework

teacher certification

school certification

Curriculum Framework …

Central Education Authority:a) core subjects to be taughtb) FN language and culture

framework c) core learning outcomes -- English

Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science

d) First Nations graduation diplomae) Dogwood diploma for first five

yearsf) Research information – teaching

methods, learning resources & assessment strategies … culturally appropriate

g) FN student assessment program

Teacher certification ….

BC College of TeachersProfessional certificate, Standard Certificate, Basic

Certificate; FN Language Teacher Certificate; Developmental Standard Term Certificate

FN Central Education AuthorityType 1 – 4yr degree, including 1yr teacher training

Type 2 – 4 yr degree; no teacher training. Restricted to subject specialty

Type 3 – Individual with specialized training (e.g. FN language and culture). Restricted to FN Community Authority endorsing the application.

School certification criteria …

Mission and philosophy- Clear mission and philosophy governs teaching of

students, school policies … School administration

- Proper procedures in place for proper management of school (e.g. school budget, student records, report cards, parent communications …)

School programs & curriculum- First Nations Language and Culture program reflects

expectations of Band Council- Learning outcomes taught in core subjects reflect

requirements set by the Central Education Authority

School Growth Plan• Focused on student success • Used to establish plans and priorities• Based on range of data including

- Student retention rates- Graduation rates- Report card data- FN student assessment results- Satisfaction data

Professional development- All teachers are certified- Teachers engaged in programs to broaden

understanding of FN language and culture and to improve teaching skills

- Teachers and principal evaluated on regular basis

External team - Appointed by Central Education Authority conducts

school review every five years.

Purpose of the draft paper …

describe governance framework that First Nations could use

stimulate discussion refine proposals

First Nations Governance Framework

A Discussion Paper

Draft – December 3, 2004

First Nations Education Steering Committee