About Us
First Nations Education Authority
The First Nations Education Authority (FNEA), which became operational on July 1, 2022, is a regulatory body that assists Participating First Nations (PFNs) in developing the capacity to provide K-12 education on First Nation land.
FNEA’s Mandate
FNEA’s mandate is to support Participating First Nations exercise jurisdiction over their education systems. It is also the Participating First Nations who appoint the directors who oversee FNEA. Key areas of jurisdiction have been collaboratively developed by First Nations, which will be jointly exercised and regulated by PFNs through FNEA. These areas are:
- Certification and regulation of teachers
- Certification of schools operated by, or on behalf of, the First Nation
- Graduation requirements, and the granting of graduation certificates
- Approval of courses required for graduation from a PFN school
Participating First Nations
As of July 1, 2023, seven PFNs have signed education jurisdiction agreements with Canada. Other First Nations have expressed interest and the number of PFNs will likely increase in years to come:
- ?aq’am
- Cowichan Tribes
- Ditidaht First Nation
- Lil’wat Nation
- Seabird Island
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)
- Tsq’escen’ First Nation (Canim Lake)
FNEA Executive
- President: Yvonne Wallace
- Vice-President: Vacant
- Secretary – Treasurer: Karen Smith
FNEA Board of Directors
The FNEA Board consists of directors appointed by the Participating First Nations (PFNs). Each PFN appoints two directors to the Board, one of whom must be a member of the First Nation.
| Participating First Nation | Director |
|---|---|
| ?aq’am | Karen Smith Sancira Steelgun |
| Cowichan Tribes | Calvin Swustus Sr. Terri Allen |
| Ditidaht First Nation | Anne Jackart Derek Thompson |
| Lil’wat Nation | Verna Stager Yvonne Wallace |
| Seabird Island | Edie Karacsonyi Barbara White |
| Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) |
Kirsten Baker-Williams |
| Tsq’escen’ First Nation (Canim Lake) | Mary Anne Archie Michelle Archie |
About the Education Jurisdiction Initiative
The education jurisdiction initiative refers to the collective work amongst First Nations in BC, the First Nations Education Authority (FNEA), the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), Canada, and BC to support First Nations’ exercise of law-making authority (jurisdiction) over their education on First Nations land.
The jurisdiction initiative involves the creation of processes and mechanisms, through legislation and a suite of agreements, that enable the exercise of jurisdiction over education.
The key foundation for the jurisdiction initiative is the Canada – First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreement, which is a sectoral self-government agreement between individual Participating First Nations (PFNs) and Canada.
History
First Nations in BC have been working to have jurisdiction over their education recognized by Canada and BC for over two decades. The first milestone was reached when Canada, BC, and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2003.
A number of agreements have been signed over the years, along with the passing of federal and provincial enabling legislation.
In May 2022, Canada and four First Nations signed individual Canada-First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreements. These agreements came into effect on July 1, 2022 and the four First Nations officially became Participating First Nations:
- ?aq’am
- Lil’wat Nation
- Seabird Island
- Cowichan Tribes
On July 1, 2022, the First Nations Education Authority (FNEA) became formally operational, as a body with regulatory functions, to assist Participating First Nations (PFNs) in developing the capacity to provide education on First Nation land.
On July 1, 2023, three more First Nations signed individual Canada – First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreements and became Participating First Nations:
- Tsq’escen’ First Nation (Canim Lake)
- Ditidaht First Nation
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)
Media/News Releases
- Four BC First Nations conclude self-government agreements regarding education – July 11, 2022
- Statement in support of Education Jurisdiction Agreements in British Columbia – August 10, 2023
Video: First Nations Jurisdiction Over Education – BC Public Service
First Nations Education Jurisdiction Celebration at Seabird Island, July 2022