Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and School District 57 signed a local education agreement Friday.
The five-year local education agreement confirms that both the Lheidli T'enneh and the school district share a common commitment, responsibility and accountability for First Nation student success which includes academic, social, cultural, linguistic, emotional and physical learning, according to the district.
"Lheidli T'enneh sees this as a commitment to First Nation students in achievement, strong literacy and numeracy, high graduation rates and a supportive educational environment which values Lheidli T'enneh language and culture," said Chief Dominic Frederick.
"School District No. 57 is excited to be entering into this formalized relationship with the Lheidli T'enneh Band and is humbled by the trust being placed in us as educators," said superintendent Marilyn Marquis-Forster. "A bright future for all citizens is built on the achievement of each and every learner within our schools. Educational success for First Nations children and youth is vital for individual learners, families, local First Nation Communities and Canada as a whole."
Throughout the 2016/17 academic school year, representatives from Lheidli T'enneh and the school district met regularly to develop an agreement which is focused on success and also highlights feedback from parents and community members regarding their children's education.
"This is a very important day," said School District 57 chair Tim Bennett. "Education for our youth is one of the most important things in society. We want to ensure the best education for for Lheidli T'enneh students."
