Educators and dignitaries all gathered in Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation for the funding announcement. Photo by Joel Willick.
The federal government is providing additional funding for a program aimed at improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
The Following Their Voices program is a Saskatchewan-made initiative that encourages stronger relationships between teachers and students.
The program was field tested at six different schools over the past year, with many educators praising the early success of the program.
On Friday afternoon at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, representatives from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan were on hand to celebrate the success of the program as well as announce the additional funding.
INAC has committed to $250,000 in funding for the program, in addition to $1.5 million already committed by the Government of Saskatchewan.
“Seeing our First Nation and Metis students reach their full potential is a top priority in Saskatchewan,” says Education Minister Don Morgan. “Early results show that Following Their Voices is changing how our teachers are interacting with their students and it is already making a positive difference.”
“Clearly this is money that is well invested,” says Rob Harvey, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Saskatchewan Director General. “We believe that every student should get the best education possible.”
The program has seen a 10 per cent increase in First Nation and Metis students who are now attending classes at least 80 per cent of the time. Average attendance rose four per cent, and there was also a one per cent increase of credit attainment after Following Their Voices was implemented.
“I’m delighted to see that observing and listening to students has had such a positive impact on our schools,” says Director of Education for the Treaty 6 Education Council Pat Bulger. “By ensuring that each student’s voice is being heard, we will continue to improve their learning environments, build relationships and encourage better interactions between the students and teachers.”
The initiative was developed by Indigenous educator Pauline McKay, who says she feels honoured by today’s announcement.
“I think it’s a first step. Our First Nation schools have always had a lack of funding,” she says. “For INAC to come and commit to this program is absolutely groundbreaking.”
The Following Their Voices initiative is currently being implemented in another 16 provincial and First Nation Schools.
Early feedback from the program has all been positive.