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PRESS RELEASE
March 11th, 2005 NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMUNIQUE
SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ABORIGINAL POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
VANCOUVER, B.C. – A significant commitment will be made today by post-secondary education stakeholders in British Columbia (BC) as they sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training. The MoU is designed to facilitate effective collective efforts by the signatory education stakeholders to improve levels of participation and success of Aboriginal learners in post-secondary education and training in BC. In signing the MoU, all partners state their intention to work collectively to build on successes and to implement strategies that will improve access and achieve success for all Aboriginal post-secondary learners in BC.
Signatories to the MoU include the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Advanced Education, Sue Barnes, Parliamentary Secretary, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Grand Chief Edward John, Chief Doug Kelly, Dave Porter, First Nations Summit, Chief Nathan Matthew, First Nations Education Steering Committee, Chief Shawn Atleo, BC Assembly of First Nations, Frazer MacDonald on behalf of Bruce Dumont, Métis Provincial Council of BC, Dr Michael Stevenson, University President’s Council of BC, Oliver Munro, United Native Nations Society, Stephanie Forsyth, BC College Presidents, Skip Triplett, University-College Presidents, Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association.
"This new Aboriginal forum is the first of its kind in Canada and is an important step toward making concrete, tangible progress to improve the success of Aboriginal learners," said Sue Barnes. "Partnerships and vital initiatives such as these reflect the Government of Canada’s unwavering commitment to find new ways to better support life-long learning for Aboriginal peoples in Canada."
“Our agreement sets the stage for us to develop strategies that overcome the issues facing Aboriginal learners,” said Advanced Education Minister Ida Chong. “We will be working very hard to make our programming more relevant and to provide greater opportunities for Aboriginal learners.”
“Our young people are bright and able to stand with the best this country has to offer. Post-Secondary education, a university degree, college or trade certification opens a world of opportunities for those young people. We should expect nothing less for them” says Grand Chief Edward John.
Increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in post-secondary education is a priority for BC’s universities, stated Dr. Michael Stevenson, Chair of The University Presidents’ Council of British Columbia, "We look forward to working with all MOU partners to identify ways in which we can work together to increase educational opportunities for Aboriginal learners in the province."
“The BC College Presidents (BCCP) is committed to supporting the educational goals of Aboriginal students and communities,” states Stephanie Forsyth, Chair, BCCP. “Many Aboriginal students are accessing education and training at over 50 different campuses throughout the province. This Agreement will enhance our efforts of ensuring that services and programs are supportive of, and accessible to, Aboriginal learners.”
“The reduction in post secondary education gaps between Aboriginal learners and non-Aboriginal learners is going to require dedication and commitment to improving access and implementing strategies that will achieve success. This is a significant step forward in closing that gap,” said Chief Nathan Matthew of the North Thompson Indian Band.
The signatories to the MoU form an ongoing Post-Secondary Education Partners group. This group will continue to work together to address issues for immediate attention, such as improving access to post-secondary education for Aboriginal learners and streamlining the transition of Aboriginal students from secondary education to post-secondary institutions.
This collaborative approach builds on the successes of the Education Partners group that was formed in 1999 to improve outcomes for elementary/secondary learners. A Memorandum of Understanding for K-12 was signed, declaring a shared commitment to improve education outcomes for First Nation students. This formed the basis for common agenda-setting, increased coordination and strong ongoing partnerships.
This release is also available in electronic format at www.inac.gc.ca, www.fnesc.ca
For further information, contact:
Anita Bedell
Communications and Consultation Advisor
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
INAC, BC Region
(604) 666-9023
Lee Gardiner
Technical Communications Officer
First Nations Education Steering Committee
(604) 9256087