The province and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) signed an understanding recognizing First Nations jurisdiction on education on Wednesday.
Both sides agree the inherent and treaty right to education remains a federal Crown responsibility.
FSIN Vice Chief Bobby Cameron says it took two years to accomplish the letter of understanding with the province.
“Well this is just a confirmation, a reassurance to our 74 bands that that autonomy,” Cameron said, “remains with each chief and council.”
The FSIN and the provincial government agree the understanding will help improve education outcomes for First Nation students.
Education Minister Don Morgan says the province will wait and see if more resources are needed for First Nations education.
“I think we want to look at targeting resources wherever we can whether it be a First Nations child or an off-reserve child,” says Morgan. “The joint task force commits $6 million a year specifically for those targeted initiatives. We’ll continue to watch to see if that is sufficient or not.”