First Nations and Métis Education

Inspiring Success: First Nations and Métis PreK-12 Education Policy Framework was developed with participation from First Nations and Métis organizations, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, post-secondary and provincial Prekindergarten to Grade 12 (PreK-12) education stakeholders. The Inspiring Success policy framework places Indigenous knowledge systems, cultures and languages within structures, policies and curricula to ensure an equitable and inclusive system that benefits all learners. Inspiring Success guides actions at all levels of the education sector and drives the government's priorities for Indigenous PreK-12 education. Inspiring Success supports reconciliation, treaty education, Indigenous cultures and languages in the classroom, as well as the infusion of Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing into all renewed curricula to benefit all learners.

The Provincial Education Plan unites partners in a shared vision, focusing on improved results, and encourages collaborative work across the province through four key priorities of equal importance: learning and assessment, Indigenous education, mental health and well-being, and student transitions. The Provincial Education Plan acts on the vision and goals of Inspiring Success by:

• achieving the Inspiring Success vision and goals will support the achievement of success for Indigenous students and an equitable and inclusive system that benefits all learners;
• promoting local action and developing measures to track progress and ensure effective practices are implemented and shared;
• working towards an inclusive workforce strategy and continued efforts to include Indigenous voices in all areas of education; and
• supporting the costs of the PreK-12 Microsoft Licensing Agreement in First Nations schools.

Following Their Voices is a Saskatchewan education sector initiative designed with First Nations and Métis education organizations to improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit student outcomes. It focuses on changing student-teacher relationships, interactions, teacher instructional practices and the learning environment in order to engage and support students.

Success is measured by increases in:

• student engagement;
• participation;
• credit attainment; and
• graduation rates.

Following Their Voices is informed by research that involved engaged and non-engaged First Nations and Métis students, their parents and caregivers, teachers and school administrators to identify the conditions needed to be successful as a First Nations or Métis student in school. The profound insights offered by these groups, alongside international research and the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, established the foundation of this initiative.

The Invitational Shared Services Initiative brings together the provincial education system and First Nations education authorities to support students living on-reserve through partnership agreements initiated by First Nations with provincial school divisions.

Partnerships provide supports and services that:

• focus on First Nations students living on-reserve attending provincial schools;
• are of mutual benefit to both partners;
• are not funded through other sources or programs;
• address at least one of the Inspiring Success goals;
• answer at least one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action; and
• include a Letter of Understanding that outlines the programs and services agreed upon over the course of the partnership.

The Ministry of Education is committed to continuous engagement and building partnerships with First Nations and Métis peoples through initiatives such as Inspiring Success, Following Their Voices, The Invitational Shared Services Initiative and the Provincial Education Plan.