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Heiltsuk Jurisdiction of Education

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Heiltsuk Jurisdiction of Education Fact Sheet

November 16th, 2005

As the progress of the project continues, we will be developing a clearer idea of what Heiltsuk Jurisdiction of Education will look like. It is with great enthusiasm to state that the History of Heiltsuk Education has been a successful one. We believe that we are one of the Nations who are ready for this step in education, and believe that with the support of our Nation we will do well! Though we have been under the Federal control in education, BBCS has been exercising jurisdiction over education for many years. We have a wonderful board, good resource staff and administration at BBCS. These will be the people who will ensure a smooth transition into the process of jurisdiction. Please contact us if you would like to ask a question or give your input. Thank You.

Jurisdiction:
  • Is a term that is used in legal matters, that simply means the power and authority of a body of government to legislate, arbitrate and enforce law.
  • With regards to First Nations education, this would mean that all participating First Nations communities would have the power and authority to govern and control local education.
  • This process of Jurisdiction of Education is a step toward Aboriginal empowerment. Simply because we would be moving away from the laws of the Federal Government (INAC).
  • Heiltsuk would like to move toward implementing Jurisdiction of Education here in Bella Bella.
  • An important note; once a First Nation community enters into a jurisdiction agreement, they may opt out at any time if they think that this process is not working for their educational system.

FNESC:

  • FNESC involvement has been to mediate with both Federal and Provincial governments trying to pursue jurisdiction of FN education.
  • FNESC has also been working with First Nations communities to express their interest in jurisdiction of education.
  • Currently the role and structure of FNESC is being negotiated with regards to jurisdiction of education.
 First Nations Education Authority:
  • The FNEA will be comprised of two members of each community that are in the process of jurisdiction of education.
  • There job will simply be to provide support to First Nations who wish to exercise jurisdiction over education. Also to determine standards of the overall goals of jurisdiction.
  • Heiltsuk education will still have the School Board as the main vehicle of government over education.
Important Information:
  • Once a FN has chosen to operate jurisdiction of education in their community, they will be eligible to grant its own graduation certificate, and to apply to grant a dogwood.
  • As for the moment, the negotiations for jurisdiction only include education levels of Kindergarten to grade 12.
  • After successful phases of implementation of jurisdiction, then communities may go through the phases necessary for Early Childhood development (nursery, daycare) and Post Secondary education.
  • The standards of education delivered in schools will be determined by each individual participating Nation to ensure uniqueness and a good transition. However, for core courses, it has been stated that the learning outcome remain the same as for a public school.
  • Finally, this step towards empowerment for FN, will rid of the legislation of the Indian Act with regards to education. The Federal government will no longer have control over FN education in those communities that exercise jurisdiction.
Funding:
  • Funds are being negotiated to cover the costs of implementing jurisdiction of education.
  • Also funds are being sought to cover costs and resources for Aboriginal Language and Culture programming.
  • For the developmental phase of jurisdiction, there are also funds being sought to give to those First Nations who wish to become involved.
  
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