REGINA – The Saskatchewan government has implemented a number of changes to since the release of a joint task force’s report two years ago. As a result, one initiative will continue to bring the provincial education system and First Nation organizations together to help with the education of aboriginal students.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education announced Monday it has evenly distributed $2.4 million to support 16 invitational shared services initiative (ISSI) partnerships in 2014-15.
“We are committed to improving education and employment outcomes for First Nations and Métis people, in response to the joint task force recommendations,” said Don Morgan, the province’s education minister.
ISSI partnerships provide students at on-reserve schools with the same supports available in provincial schools, such as speech language pathologists, math consultants and graduation coaches.
The ministry asked aboriginal education organizations to identify what types of shared services were needed and worked together to develop partnerships with 11 school divisions.
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“The shared services initiative assists in providing services to First Nations students to help them succeed,” said Bobby Cameron, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) vice chief.
“First Nations in Saskatchewan are committed to our inherent and treaty right to education and this task force recommendation is a positive step and will support First Nations in delivering education services on our treaty territories.”
During 2013-14, the province invested $1.5 million in 10 ISSI partnerships.
In April 2013, the task force’s final report was released by the provincial government and the FSIN, which focused on improving education and employment for First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan.
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