Minister O’Regan signs a Regional Education Agreement with the Sunchild First Nation

July 18, 2019 — Edmonton, Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with Sunchild First Nation Chief Jonathan Frencheater, signed a Regional Education Agreement today benefiting approximately 330 First Nations students.

The official signing ceremony took place in Edmonton, Alberta, in Treaty 6 territory.

This agreement responds to the education goals and priorities set by the Sunchild First Nation. The agreement supports a culturally responsive, high quality education that improves student educational outcomes, while respecting the principle of First Nation control of First Nation education.

The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support students in achieving academic success. To further these goals, the agreement will:

• Implement a sustainable, predictable and more flexible funding model;
• Recognize and respect the diversity of its community; and
• Work to empower each student to improve their educational outcomes

Quotes

“What this agreement does is put control over education exactly where it belongs – here with Sunchild First Nation. This Regional Education Agreement represents a new form of collaboration between Canada and First Nations that I believe will benefit generations of students. I respect the vision and leadership of  the Elders and members of Sunchild.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“Today marks a historical day where we can highlight a real and genuine partnership between Sunchild First Nation and the Crown (Indigenous Services Canada). This agreement shows clearly the positive paths that can be taken when parties openly choose to work collaboratively towards a common goal: “Transformational Change Through Education.”

Chief Jonathan Frencheater
Sunchild First Nation

Quick facts

• Sunchild First Nation is located 150km northwest of Red Deer, Alberta, and is located in Treaty 6 Territory.
• Sunchild School employs over 50 professional and para-professional staff.
• The Education Authority provides K-12 administration for Sunchild School, which is located on-reserve.

Associated links

• Progress on investments in kindergarten to grade 12 education

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Kevin Deagle
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan,
Minister of Indigenous Services
873-354-0987

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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