tral First en N C a ti t Nurture o s n East Central a Empower s E Future

Tre les of aty Artic Education Partnership

E Issue 2 February 2019 d ip u h c s at er appropriate. Members listened intently as First Nations and control of the eleven ion tn Par the various speakers spoke while slides were schools in the communities. The MESC shown using a projector. Agreement includes funding for children in prekindergarten (K4) and kindergarten (K5). The sessions started with an opening prayer and then introductions of the interim board MESC has approximately 2,200 students members. Following this, the presentation and their agreement with Canada spans ten began with a slide show containing ten slides. years. Each year MESC will receive about $62 million for Education Services. The presenter would then review what Interim board members activities the board has been involved in since The interim board had discussions with provide update on activities the beginning of 2018. Mention was made of representatives of MESC regarding their the initial community sessions held in the three approaches, experiences and developments in The interim board of the East Central First Nations in March which consisted of open creating their First Nation Education Authority. First Nations Education Partnership hopes houses at Cumberland House Nation on The research trip was described as being all members of the three First Nations March 7, James Smith Cree Nation on March interesting and informative and the ECFNEP participating in the Partnership had a good 21 and Shoal Lake Cree Nation on March 22. representatives had many questions for the Christmas and wish all the best in 2019. The newsletter produced and distributed at MESC officials. The ECFNEP officials declared the open houses was referenced. the trip to be extremely worthwhile as they Recently, the interim Board of Directors of received answers to all of their questions. the East Central First Nations Education A Technical Working Group (TWG) was Partnership (ECFNEP) hosted Community established and the members of this group, Members of the ECFNEP Interim Board who Presentation Meetings in each of the three which includes the interim board members, spoke all agreed that the MESC Agreement First Nations. Members of the interim for development and planning purposes. was good for the First Nations involved and that they would be pushing to obtain similar ECFNEP Board were in Shoal Lake Cree The TWG, along with some Chiefs of the First benefits in negotiating an agreement with Nation on December 3, Cumberland House Nations, travelled to Maskwacîs in Alberta. Canada if the members wanted to move in Cree Nation on December 4 and in James Maskwacîs is the name now given to the area this direction. Smith Cree Nation on December 5. in central Alberta that was called Hobbema. The purpose of the meetings was to provide Maskwacîs is an unincorporated hamlet which During the presentation, the interim board information to the communities on the includes four First Nations, Ermineskin Cree members stressed that permanent members progress made on creating an independent Nation, Louis Bull First Nation, Montana First to the board need to be chosen. However, Education Authority. Nation and Samson Cree Nation. one of the issues to be discussed is what mechanism will be used to determine the These four First Nations have their own First At the Community Presentation Meetings, board members. It was stated that at Nation Education Authority which is called interim President Randy Constant, Vice- present, no decisions have been made in this Maskwacîs Education School’s Commission president Abraham Amponash and board regard and that there would be two methods (MESC). MESC was incorporated in member Harold (Butch) Carriere addressed used to become board members. A person February of 2016 and began researching members, explaining what activities they have could be appointed to the board by Chief and developing an approach to create an been involved with since the last information and Council or the person could be elected independent First Nation Education Authority. sessions held in March. The Secretary- by the membership. treasurer and interim board member Faye In February of 2017, MESC began Mention was made about setting some Head was also in attendance. negotiations with Canada and in May of 2018 criteria for permanent board members an agreement with Canada was signed. The interim board was pleased with the such as a mandatory level of education and number of members attending the sessions, On July 1, 2018, MESC took over criminal record checks. No decisions have but the board believes that as the saying responsibility for Education at the four been made by the interim board in this goes, ‘the more the merrier’ would be regard.

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Inside

Interim board members provide update on activities...... 1 Chief Norma Bear interview...... 2 Presentation at community meetings in December...... 3-6 Questions raised by members at Community Meetings held in December 2018...... 7 Photos from Community Presentation Meetings...... 8 Member thoughts on the Partnership...... 9-10 East Central First Nations Education Partnership Interim Board: (left to right) Faye Head, Secretary-treasurer, Tabulation of survey respondents representing James Smith Cree Nation, Nisto Awasisak Memorial School Principal Abraham Amponash, Vice-president, representing Cumberland House Cree Nation, Wachik Education Complex Principal Harold (Butch) Carriere, board attending Open Houses in March.....11-12 member, representing Shoal Lake Cree Nation and Bernard Constant Community School Principal Randy Constant, Website Information...... 12 President, representing James Smith Cree Nation. Board members missing include Marcia Seeseequasis representing Cumberland House Cree Nation and Councillor Eldon Whitecap representing Shoal Lake Cree Nation. For further information...... 12 ...Continued from previous page The subject of another slide was The Benefits of Change were the headings on the activities and goals of the Partnership the fact that the First Nation three slides and the board members described and working with members to develop an Student Success Program a number of positive enhancements that would understanding of what the Partnership is (FNSSP) and New Paths would result if the Partnership became responsible for attempting to accomplish. be discontinued as of March the education system at the three First Nations. 2019. The funding for these The presenters from the board stated that programs would be rolled into Some of the benefits would include enriched the permanent board should be in place by core funding. financial resources, improvements in the areas September of next year and the negotiations of completion, graduation and retention, completed in 2019, so that a First Nation Another slide in the presentation increased academic standards and stable, Education Authority would be operational by stated that Indigenous Services consistent funding. January 1, 2020. Canada (ISC) announced changes in the education funding for the coming The interim Board of Directors stressed that The interim Board Members encourage years. Officials of the department have timing was tight and that they had to set tight the members of the three First Nations met with members of the interim board and timeframes to meet the deadlines imposed to look at the pages in this newsletter, provided information in the form of side by by ISC. Important milestones that need to be particularly those who missed the recent sides, which means funding now and funding accomplished within the coming year include Community Presentation Meetings. The entire in the future. However, the board stated that decisions by the elected leadership of the three presentation that was made at the community the officials had to recalculate the funding due First Nations as to whether or not they want meetings is contained in the newsletter along to errors made by the ISC officials. The board to proceed with the Partnership. The interim with pages with other valuable information. members are waiting for the new information. Board of Directors will make a recommendation to the Chiefs and Councils on this subject. Members of the communities participating in The Prince Albert Tribal Council (PAGC), the the Partnership are encouraged to go to the Second Level Service provider was referenced Other decisions revolve around where the staff ECFNEP Website to view videos about the and board members pointed out that PAGC of the Partnership will be located. The interim Partnership and other printed material. The was challenged by the distance it is away Board of Directors is leaning towards , website is http://www.ecfnep.ca/ which is central to the three First Nations. from the three First Nations. The distance Please contact one of the principals of the creates issues around timely service delivery The interim Board of Directors is committed schools in the three First Nations if you have to students. Board members informed the and dedicated to working diligently to move questions. The next information sessions audiences at the three presentations that the forward on creating the Partnership. Much will be held prior to March, so watch out for administration fees being charged by PAGC has to be accomplished in the months information on the sessions and plan to attend. were excessive and reduced funding for ahead, including engaging the membership services available for students. in the communities to create awareness of

Chief Norma Bear believes and then in Grades 10 to 12. She has also served as the vice-principal of the Wachik moving forward with the Education Complex.

Partnership should be decided Chief Bear describes her choice of teaching by the membership as a career. “When I attended high school at Red Earth Cree Nation, two persons reached Norma Bear is the newly elected Chief of the out to me. A teacher named Diane Handzy Shoal Lake Cree Nation and believes it is up and an Auntie Doreen Whitehead who were to the membership in the community to make role models and inspirations for me.” decisions regarding their children’s education. “Teachers and students at the high school Chief Bear was elected on Oct. 18 in a level develop a close bond and respect goes byelection, replacing the former Chief both ways,” noted Chief Bear. Some students Carlton Bear who resigned. Previously, Chief that Ms. Bear had taught during past years Bear served as a Councillor for a term from have approached her later and told her that 2008 to 2011 and was responsible for the they have been inspired by the commitment housing portfolio. and support that was shown through her Shoal Lake Cree Nation Chief Norma Bear teaching. “Some said they looked up to Prior to becoming Chief, Ms. Bear spent 20 me. Some said I inspired them and I stayed secure funds for our children’s education. years as a teacher, mostly at Shoal Lake Cree teaching for the kids. To me, teaching is not By cost-sharing administration costs we can Nation and Cumberland College in Nipawin. just a job, it is there to develop and mature put more dollars into the classroom, which She has also taught Cree Immersion for a year the children, I love kids.” is good for the students and their parents,” in Saskatoon. Ms. Bear is gradually becoming more said Chief Bear. Born in Carrot River in 1966, she was raised accustomed to the role of Chief and the Furthermore, Chief Bear thinks it is a at Red Earth Cree Nation and transferred to work involved. good way, especially now, to finally be Shoal Lake Cree Nation in 1983 when she able to develop a curriculum based on married. The Chief and her partner have Chief Bear believes that engaging and our community’s needs, wants and visions. three sons and two daughters and they all empowering the members is a priority and “From the grassroots, we should develop our graduated from Grade 12. through engagement and empowerment achievements and success will occur. She community’s vision on how they want their In 1993, Ms. Bear entered the Indian thinks that the residents of Shoal Lake children to be educated.” Teacher Education Program in Saskatoon Cree Nation need to be engaged in their Chief Bear believes preservation of the and graduated after four years. She then government and they should participate Cree language is vital, as it helps build began teaching in the elementary Grades by attending meetings and voicing their the community’s identity. She knows the 2 to 6 and then moved on to teaching at thoughts. “We have to regain our cultural community does not want to lose their Cumberland College, first in Grades 7 to 9 identity and build upon positive experiences.” language. From a personal standpoint, Chief Bear As a former teacher, Chief Bear says, “The supports the goals and objectives of the East Partnership will be a good way to retain Central First Nations Partnership. “What I teachers, as a majority are from the reserve. see is three First Nations working collectively It will be quite a challenge to get things as a group which provides a bigger voice to done in the tight timeframes.”

2 Presentation at community meetings in December

Interim East Central First Nations board and is Principal of Nisto Awasisak The following slides Education Partnership Board Members Memorial School at Cumberland House comprised the PowerPoint Randy Constant, Abraham Amponash, Cree Nation. Mr. Carriere is a board Presentation. The narrative Harold (Butch) Carriere and Faye Head member and Principal of Wachik Education has been condensed and hosted an information session at the three Complex at Shoal Lake Cree Nation. edited for length. The First Nations during the second week of Ms. Head is the Secretary-treasurer for presentation was delivered December. the board and a member of the Peter in Cumberland House Cree Mr. Constant is the acting President of the Chapman Band which is part of the James Nation on December 4, 2018. interim board and is the Principal at the Smith Cree Nation. The same presentation was given Bernard Constant Community School at The session consisted of the presentation, at Shoal Lake Cree Nation on James Smith Cree Nation. Mr. Amponash questions and answers and a dinner was December 3 and James Smith Cree Nation is the acting Vice-president of the interim provided to all those in attendance. on December 5

a brief history. This interim board came into effect in the fall of 2016. In 2017-2018 we were gathering input from our communities regarding whether or not we were going to move forward. At this point, the three com- East Central First munities are still deciding whether or not we are going to move forward. But according to what we have heard from members, they Nations' Education like what they are hearing. Cumberland House was approached by our Chief from Developing our Vision to Support Our Children James Smith to see whether or not this is what they wanted to do. The presentation was made, we come to Cumberland House and we spoke to your Chief and Council and at the end of that meeting, they made the decision to move forward. And that was to a chance when we want some resources, we Summary consult and to talk to community members, don’t have to be worried about it. The Sec- parents and grandparents about this whole ond Level Services that we need, we don’t • Abraham Amponash began by informing the process. So, in the meantime, after this have to wait for PAGC (Prince Albert Grand audience that, “The reason members are dialogue between the communities began, Council) Education to come in for two hours here is to discuss the East Central First Na- the interim board started meeting monthly and then go. We need to negotiate our tions Education Authority Partnership where to discuss creating an education system that own separate Second Level Services. We we are at and where we are going. Mr. is unique for all three communities. The big have between 23 or 26 students in Cumber- Amponash introduced the board members one was teachers. The discussion at the land House who need services but can’t get present. Mr. Amponash tells the audience tables regarding our teachers is one of the them because the consultant for psychology that he supports the Education Board for biggest ones, because that is unique in First comes in for two hours and then they are two or three reasons. One is the resources Nations country because the teachers in our gone. We don’t even see them. So, I am for the students, the school and the commu- communities are from our community, they going to encourage every community mem- nity. Two is for the ability to maintain and are our band members who are teaching in ber to support the Education Authority.” retain teachers so they can get the same our classrooms. That is how it is at home for security as public-school teachers. They • Mr. Constant began his segment by thanking us, probably about 80 percent of our staff can’t be kicked out anytime they feel like it, everyone for coming and thanking the au- members are from the community, James it is called job security. It will also help the dience for having the speakers at their First Smith. I imagine those numbers are the students. I have said many times in the past Nation to talk about Education transforma- same here for Cumberland House. Those the tendency for Councillors to fire teach- tion and what the government has planned numbers are huge for Cumberland House ers they don’t like is not going to happen in regards to how Education is going to look for those band members to be working in anymore. Stability, security for both the stu- from 2019 on. “As your principal spoke, he the school, same for Shoal Lake as well. So dents and the teachers. It takes six months did talk about a number of key ideas that there is an opportunity there.” for the teachers to know the students, their are involved in this whole process. As one weaknesses and strengths. It also gives us of your interim board members, I’ll give you

Slide 2

Progress and next steps #1 • Mr. Constant continued on the next slide. “We had our community open houses back in March in James Smith, Cumberland House and Shoal Lake. We had the news- letter that came out. We had those monthly • Initial community meetings held Technical Working Group meetings where we meet and talk about planning ahead and • Initial newsletter developed and distributed what it means. As your principal stated, some chiefs and the Technical Working • Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings held monthly Group visited Maskwacîs to learn about the for planning process. Maskwacîs, I hadn’t been there in a long time. I probably had not been there since I was kid. A lot of things have hap- • Some Chiefs and TWG visited Maskwacîs (AB) to learn pened. Maskwacîs is south of Wetaskiwin, about their process about 70 klicks southwest of Edmonton and it is formerly known as Hobbema. Continued on next page...

3 ...Continued from previous page four First Nations get for Education is $62 a student designated in the classroom that re- They have their townsite and million and the government has committed to quires that extra support. That extra support homes and four First Nations are that number for the next ten years. Who is to comes as an EA. For us back home, we can’t situated right in that square. In say that we don’t deserve that as well? Now have that because our students in K4 don’t that system, they have about they are going to be reaping the benefits of have that designation. If there was an issue 2,200 students within those all that work they put in. Well, you have a K4 with a K4 student, we would have to wait and four First Nations. They are and we have a K4, but we do not have an aide go through the entire process, get the referral coming together and they have in there. Maskwacîs, on the other hand, had in and get them tested and all that. That is a formed their own Education Sys- their teacher and they had two EAs (Education big cycle in itself for K4 kids. For Maskwacîs, tem. They have negotiated their Assistants) per class regardless of the size. they negotiated it that regardless whether agreement with the government How we situate that at this point is that in or- there are needs or not they do have two EAs and they have established their plan der for an EA to come in the classroom or for with the teacher in the classroom. We can going forward. So, the funding those a teacher to have that support there has to be negotiate that as well for us.”

inal record of any kind. Let’s have somebody with some education, at least a high school education, to make it credible. Randy will Progress and next steps #2 get you in touch on agreement negotiations with ISC (Indigenous Services Canada) I was not at that meeting, he was.” Board to be chosen • Mr. Constant speaks next, “Agreement • negotiations with ISC (Indigenous Services Second set of community meetings currently being held (Dec Canada) are for spring/summer of next year, • so this is the direction we are going. ISC has 3, 4, &5) provided an opportunity for First Nations Additional Newsletter and Fact Sheets being developed for to define their own Education systems. By • defining them, it means going through a Christmas REA. This REA is an acronym for Regional Agreement negotiations with ISC – Spring/Summer 2019 Education Agreement. What this Region- • al Education Agreement provides the First • Including funding agreement/formula Nations is an opportunity to negotiate those pieces that our three First Nations find • Proposed implementation date January 1, 2020 important. An example for Cumberland House could be fishing, it could be decided that every First Nation child in Cumberland House needs to know how to ice fish. For ask really good questions. That has to hap- Slide 3 22 in us, not so much, we don’t go to the river as pen more. One thing we talked about was much as we should, but ours would be the the board structure. One of the areas that I • Mr. Carriere began speaking here. “We cultural piece with the powwow because that have an interest in is in the area of policy and have to start talking at the interim board now is emerging. We have had two school governance and sitting on the board for the level about the real board members, the real powwows and two community powwows last past few months, we have to start planning representation you are going to get from this year and the year before and our numbers for the reality of who’s going to be on the community and from Shoal Lake and James are growing. We have got over 160 dancers permanent board. We are only here for a Smith. We have to start talking about the in our community now, so because of that, while. We have to start talking about the governance structure. The governance struc- we are fostering that culture and we are structure of governance, how is this going ture, we do not have to reinvent that wheel, creating opportunities for those kids. We to look. After talking about it in Cumber- because there is a system out there already. have got Elders, parents and grandparents land House, I have seen these people every The provincial system has a very good sys- dancing now. So that is an opportunity election day that would be welcome on the tem. It could work in this community as well. for us. For a community like Cumberland Northern Lights Board. That is good, there We are telling you now, we are only here House, those priorities need to be identified is interest there. There is some monetary for a short time. We are an interim board and then negotiated within this REA to en- satisfaction there. That is to be expected and we are trying to get something in place sure that funding is there and is always there. because they are going to be managing a that is acceptable to the three communities That is what that means. We are going to be system, so they have to be paid accordingly. and to run your own Education system. Last looking at this issue this spring, summer and Just have some specific stipulations of qualifi- night we were in Shoal Lake and there were fall until we get it right.” really good questions. People are starting to cations. Let’s have nobody there with a crim-

Slide 4

• Mr. Carriere began speaking on the fourth Progress and next steps #3 slide. “Second service mapping, the cur- rent service delivery model, the current costs, the new service delivery model and new costs. I speak freely when it comes to • 2nd level service mapping second level services in my school there, we have a big disadvantage because we • Current service delivery model can’t rightfully service the needs of our students. We do not have the freedom • Current costs to determine that because we are just a school. That determination has been made • New service delivery model by someone else. Another bureaucratic New costs structure that is the Grand Council Edu- • cation Department (Prince Albert) which is a big bureaucracy itself which utilizes a • K4/K5 Planning lot of the money that we in Shoal Lake are entitled to. I’ll speak for Shoal Lake, that is who I represent and that is who I know.

4 I have been challenging my staff, my special feed our staff and I was telling them, you needs to determine if they ed teacher and my teaching assistant, not see that is the direction we need to go, we have space to accommo- always, but they said what do we do now, are the front-line workers, we know what is date those numbers. Same what should we do. They recognize the going on here.” for Cumberland House, challenges that are before them and I fur- • Mr. Constant continued speaking, “So we they need to determine ther challenge how do we rectify that? How are discussing K4 and K5 planning, there by February 1 if they are do we deal with a student who is mute? is an opportunity coming up, in Febru- going to offer that nursery How do we do that? Well, we don’t have a ary, a letter came out from ISC saying for and kindergarten full-time special teacher for that. I said well do we each school and First Nation to identify in the community. That is need a teacher? After thinking about it for a whether or not they are ready for K4 and something we are looking while last spring, about 12 teaching assis- K5 full-time come the fall of 2019. For at and something that we are tants every Thursday decided on their own James Smith, we are ready, we just have going to be addressing in the to make a trip into Nipawin on their own to get that notification ready and let them months to come, as well as space time and they all learned sign language. It know that as of September 1, our kids will needing to be created within our did not cost us a whole lot, a few bucks to be going to school full-time. Shoal Lake First Nations.

the past that should not have happened. Now they want to start that process of Recent challenges to proceeding making things right. One of these things is this REA (Regional Education Agreement) and the ability to negotiate what we need. Like all things, we know these governments change. For a number of years, we were • Timeframe is tight, work has to continue left with the Harper Government and we Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) announced changes in understand how our budgets suffered • under that regime. How they viewed First education funding Nations Education and how they main- • Side by Sides tained the cap at two percent, there was no chance for growth, you had to live • Time and effort to understanding the changes within those means. But through this, we Significant amount of current funding to Tribal Councils is have the opportunity to secure that fund- • ing through statutory funding. Like I said, based on proposal approval and is not deemed on-going one day these Liberals will be voted out, funding. and when they are voted out there will be • FNSSP and New Paths funding are being discontinued, funds are someone else coming in. They are going being rolled into core funding to come in roaring, so in the meantime, it is important for us as an entity moving for- ward that we get all our ducks in a row.”

Slide 5 expecting them to get in, but they did. As you are aware, regarding their talk on • Mr. Constant continues, “We have a tight media through the media, through their timeframe. We understand things started actions, their commitment, they are talking moving fast after this new government about truth and reconciliation. They are came in. The Trudeau Liberal govern- talking about making things right. They ment. Surprisingly, they got in. I was not are talking about things that happened in

tion Second Level Services, good people, smart people, they are in a system we are not benefitting from in Shoal Lake. An example we had one time, we are always Recent challenges to proceeding waiting. waiting, trying to get applications in through resources submitted to get our kids tested. Parents want that, teachers want that. At one time we were on a wait- • Current 2nd level service provider is challenged ing list. We did not have a child psychol- geographically (distance) in providing timely services to ogist that came to our school. They had one guy, two for sure. When the guy would meet the needs of our schools. come, you know, he would sit in the office all day and drink his tea. At the end of the • Administrative fees on second level education day, I would ask how many did you see. Ah programming funds reduces services to students. one and half. I don’t know about you, but we don’t have any half children in Shoal • each organization that funding flows through has administration Lake, I don’t know how he determined costs, the fewer stops, the more funding is at the school level that. But the reality is he was there all day, what five or six hours? With the credentials he has, I know full-time he had to be mak- ing $150,000 plus ok, but he would come to Shoal Lake and sleep there. We all need the three communities’ kids to be tested. Why can’t we get together and pick a cer- Slide 6 cil Education are insufficient. You know tain month and say lets the three of us pool they are geographically challenged, they our money, put it in the pot and hire a child • Mr. Carriere speaks next, “The current take care of 12 schools and the far north, psychologist for one month.” services we receive from the Grand Coun- four in the far north. I know the bulk of those people working in special educa- Continued on next page...

5 ...Continued from previous page Slide 7

• Mr. Constant speaks, “I think we only have Recent challenges to proceeding three more slides. The benefits include a financially enriched education system. We have the opportunity to create stable, consistent funding. The ability for an en- hanced quality and relevance of education, nd • Current 2 level service provider is challenged increased academic standards, improved geographically (distance) in providing timely services to student outcomes through retention, though completion of Grade 12. We look meet the needs of our schools. at the graduation rates, not only at Grade Administrative fees on second level education 12, we also talk about Kindergarten to • Grade 12.” programming funds reduces services to students. • each organization that funding flows through has administration Upcoming Partnership Open Houses costs, the fewer stops, the more funding is at the school level Please plan to attend one of the following Open Houses occurring between 3:30 and 7 pm with dinner served at 5 pm. At the Open Houses, you can meet members of the East Central First Nations Education Partnership and obtain information on the Partnership and on the latest activities of the interim board. • James Smith Cree Nation, Monday, March 4, 2019; • Cumberland House Cree Nation, Benefits of Change#1 Tuesday, March 5, 2019; and • Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Wednesday, March 6, 2019. • Financially enriched education system • Stable consistent funding Slide 8 Enhanced quality and relevance of education • Mr. Constant continues, “More benefits • are higher student achievement in read- Increased academic standards ing, math and writing. More competitive • teacher salaries, up-to-date technology tools and additional professional develop- • Improved student outcomes ment. I know I talked to you guys about PD (Professional Development).” • Retention • Completion • Graduation rates

Slide 9

• Mr. Constant continues, “Additional pro- Benefits of Change#3 gramming for trades, culture, language and tradition. The ability to adapt to the needs of the communities, the possibility of life cycle • Additional programming review of education assets, facilities and IT • Trades (information technology) compatibility to Culture education needs. When we talk about life • cycle, I am talking about having the power • Language that if something in our school needs fixing, • Tradition if we need a bigger gym, then the govern- ment has to fund us, bottom line. Potential Other • for more timely capital project funding. First • Adapt needs to communities Nation Education Authorities make decisions when capital projects are done, not ISC (In- • Possibility of Life cycle review of education assets – facility, IT digenous Services Canada). So that is where compatibility to education program needs. we are, we are in the process of identifying • Provides additional Capital funding and removes Education from the ISC what each First Nation needs, what each First Capital program Nation wants. Putting them all on the table. Potential for more timely capital project funding Coming up with a strategic plan as to how • we are going to include all of those when we • FN’s/EA make decisions when Capital projects are done, not ISC go to the negotiating table.” The floor was then opened to questions from the members in the audience.

6 as to what has been happening since the 17Q. Was Red Earth a part of creation of the Partnership? this process? Questions??? 8A. The existing interim board members and 17A. Initially, Red Earth was consultants will work with the incoming part of the Partnership. Board to update them on the partnership However, they withdrew for the first few months. early in the process. 9Q. Who will take on the current deficits of Information continues to the First Nation once they transfer to the be shared with them as Partnership and who is responsible for requested. these deficits? 18Q. What is the Interim Board 9A. Currently, funding for Education flows to doing? In my own opinion, the First Nations from Canada. When the I think Dec 31 is a little bit late. Education Authority takes over responsi- Speed it up a little. Slide 10 - Questions raised by bility for Education, the authority will sign 18A. The interim board is working on ensuring members at Community Meet- a funding agreement with Canada and the communities and Chiefs and Coun- funding will flow directly to the authority. cils have information to make informed ings held in December 2018 The First Nations involved will have no decisions. They are also working on the access to this funding. coordination, collection and revision of Questions raised by members at Community 10Q. Each First Nation needs assurances for all the documents that are required. The Meetings held in December of 2018. Please current deficits? interim board have other duties at their note both the Questions and Answers have 10A. The Education Authority will be an First Nations and are not able to work on been edited for brevity, clairty and grammar. independent body, will be starting with the Partnership full-time. For negotia- 1Q. Will the certified Education Assistants be no deficit and it will not be able to run a tions, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) employed with the Partnership? deficit. also plays a role and their timelines impact how quickly ECFNEP can move 1A. Certified Education Assistants will be 11Q. Next session, can you go back to the forward. The December timeline is al- employed within the Partnership where other format, open houses, where you ready pushing ISC. required and as needed. had stations? 19Q. Is there more money going into reten- 2Q. Will there be enough funding for an Edu- 11A. Yes, the Interim Board has decided to tion? cation Assistant for each classroom? go back to the open house format with 2A. Once the Partnership is implemented and booths. 19A. Once an independent Education Author- ity is created, implemented and funding funding and budgets are negotiated, de- 12Q. Is there a possibility to have Adult Basic and budgets are negotiated, decisions cisions regarding the number of Education Education (ABE) with this Partnership? Assistants required can be made. regarding the retention of students can 12A. Currently, Indigenous Services Canada be made. It is recognized that retention 3Q. Why did James Smith “jump” into this only has a mandate to negotiate K-12 is an issue in all the communities. Partnership so quickly? as part of the Education Authority. The 20Q. How do you become a board member? 3A. Leadership at James Smith recognized Partnership intends to negotiate an that working with other like-minded First agreement that would include clauses on 20A. As the Partnership makes progress on Nations in providing a total K-12 edu- ABE, Trades and Training, Post-second- obtaining approval from Chiefs and cation package in all the schools could ary and any other education program- Councils of such issues as the gover- provide more resources, supports and ming that the First Nations want to be nance model, information on the process services for the students in a timelier and included as part of the Partnership in the to become a permanent board will be cost-effective manner. future. shared with the communities. 4Q. Why was Shoal Lake asked to join this 13Q. Do you have a model of what the struc- 21Q. Are there any dollars coming for daycare Partnership? ture, the governance will look like? for younger mothers? 4A. Shoal Lake was invited to join the Partner- 13A. Several models have been discussed by 21A. Funding for daycare is not currently part ship due to proximity and interest shown the Interim Board. The next step is to of the negotiations with Indigenous by its Leadership. Shoal Lake decided to discuss these models with Chiefs and Services Canada due to their mandate join. Councils to determine the best one to to provide education for Grades K to 12. implement. However, as with Adult Basic Education 5Q. Why is Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) (ABE) and other issues, the Partnership 14Q. When’s the next open house? asking First Nations to join Education plans to include this issue and others in Authorities? 14A. The next community engagement ses- negotiations. sions will take place during the first week 5A. ISC is not asking First Nations to join 22Q. Is there additional funding going to be of March. Education Authorities, however, they are ready to test Kindergarten and Nursery? providing incentives as part of the negoti- The next open houses are: March 4 at 22A. Kindergarten and Nursery will be funded ations for those First Nations who do join/ James Smith Cree Nation, March 5 at on a full-time basis. form an Education Authority. Cumberland House Cree Nation and 6Q. Why is ECFNEP calling down PAGC when March 6 at Shoal Lake Cree Nation. An- there is no representation from PAGC to nouncements will be made. Upcoming Partnership Open Houses also address the concerns for Shoal Lake? 15Q. Who will be looking after the organiza- Please plan to attend one of the following 6A. The Partnership is merely presenting the tion? ISC? FN? Open Houses occurring between 3:30 and fact that the Prince Albert Grand Council 15A. The Education Authority is a creation of 7 pm with dinner served at 5 pm. will have been paid by Indigenous Ser- the First Nations and it is an indepen- vices Canada on behalf of the three First dent body. The Education Authority will At the Open Houses, you can meet Nations $3.2 million for second level ser- manage and operate the organization. members of the East Central First Nations Education Partnership and obtain vices. The three First Nations continually The board will report to the Chiefs and encounter difficulties receiving services information on the Partnership and on the Councils and the communities. latest activities of the interim board. from PAGC. The three First Nations want 16Q. How does the money gets distributed PAGC to be accountable for its services from Indian Affairs to Prince Albert • James Smith Cree Nation, Monday, and presently, it is not. Grand Council (PAGC)? March 4, 2019; 7Q. When will the permanent board be in 16A. Indigenous Services Canada, on be- • Cumberland House Cree Nation, place? half of the three First Nations, provides Tuesday, March 5, 2019; and 7A. By the fall of 2019, the interim board will funding directly to PAGC via the Prince be replaced by the permanent board. Albert Development Corporation, an • Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Wednesday, 8Q. Who will update these board members arm of PAGC. March 6, 2019.

7 Community Presentation Meetings

Shoal Lake Cree Nation: On December 3, 2018, a Presentation Meeting was held in Questions from James Smith Cree Nation Members: Steve Constant, a member of the gymnasium at the Wachik Education Complex. One of the presenters was Harold the James Smith Cree Nation, was one of the members who asked a question at the (Butch) Carriere, (centre), an interim board member and principal of the education community meeting presentation in the gymnasium of Bernard Constant Community complex. School on December 5, 2018. Members of the interim board of directors of the East Central First Nations Education Partnership answered questions from the audience at all three community meeting presentations.

Cumberland House Cree Nation Community Presentation Meeting: Members of James Smith Cree Nation Community Presentation Meeting December 5, 2018: the interim board of directors of the East Central First Nations Education Partnership Randy Constant, President of the interim board of directors of the East Central First Na- made a presentation to members of the Cumberland House Cree Nation on Decem- tions Education Partnership, used a slide show during the presentation on the activities ber 4, 2018. The presenters, Abraham Amponash, Randy Constant and Harold (Butch) of the interim board. The meeting was held in the gymnasium of the Bernard Constant Carriere provided the members with updates on the development of a First Nation Community School. Mr. Constant is the principal of the school. Education Authority.

Abraham Amponash: Mr. Amponash, the Vice-president of the interim board, was one Harold (Butch) Carriere: (standing) was one of the presenters at the Presentation of the presenters at the community presentation meeting held at James Smith Cree Meeting held at Shoal Lake Cree Nation. Mr. Carriere is one of the interim board mem- Nation on December 5, 2018. bers from Shoal Lake Cree Nation. Members attending the presentation meeting at Shoal Lake Cree Nation asked many questions.

8 Member thoughts on the Partnership

(Editor’s Note: The three articles that the East Central First Nations Education not ask any questions follow were written based on interviews Partnership, Ms. Griffin believes her during the presentation. with a member from each of the three daughter will be able to receive more “I enjoyed attending the participating First Nations. Introducing specialized learning. presentation and liked it.” Daphnee Griffin of Cumberland House Cree Nation, Herb Burns of the James Ms. Griffin’s youngest daughter is in Grade Ms. Griffin will definitely Smith Cree Nation and Doreen Cook from 8 and her mother describes her as a fast attend another information Shoal Lake Cree Nation.) learner who wants to learn much more. session and wants to receive The mother believes this daughter can be more information on the activities challenged to learn more. and goals of the East Central First Member from Cumberland Nations Education Partnership. She House Cree Nation believes The youngest child of Ms. Griffin is in Grade looks forward to the day when she can see 6 and like his younger sister, he too is a fast the benefits of a First Nations Education an Education Partnership will learner. She believes her son will be able Authority in the classroom. to learn much more through a First Nations be good for the community Education Authority. Daphne Griffin, a member of the Cumberland Born in Nipawin in the mid 1970s, Ms. House Cree Nation, is a supporter of Griffin attended elementary school in the East Central First Nations Education and then went to LP Miller Partnership. Ms. Griffin believes that a First Comprehensive School which offers Grades Nations Education Authority at Cumberland 7 to 12. Ms. Griffin did not graduate House Cree Nation will mean more financial from LP Miller but obtained her General resources being spent in the classroom. Education Diploma in 2013 through “Through the Partnership, there will be Northlands College. more supplies for the students, and the Partnership can supply items that we have After obtaining her diploma, she began never had at the Nisto Awasisak Memorial working as an education assistant at School.” She is convinced that a First Nisto Awasisak Memorial School. “I like Nations Education Authority will result in working with children because it is fun and more current text books and other learning personally rewarding to see a child learn,” materials in the classrooms. she said. Ms. Griffin has a personal interest in Ms. Griffin attended the East Central First improving the education system at Nations Education Partnership’s open house Cumberland House Cree Nation. She has on March 7. She came to the event with three children currently attending Nisto her students and they went around to each Awasisak Memorial School in Grades 6, 8 of the booths. “I thought the open house and 9. was informative for all those that attended,” she said. Her oldest child is in Grade 9 and has learning issues. Ms. Griffin believes her Most recently, Ms. Griffin attended the Partnership’s Community Meeting Cumberland House Cree Nation Member daughter learns best when she receives Daphne Griffin. specialized one to one teaching. Through Presentation on December 5. She did

Partnership presents the Doreen Cook is a member of the Shoal Lake Ms. Cook has a personal interest in Cree Nation and believes that education is education at Shoal Lake Cree Nation. opportunity for members to the key to success. “With education, you She has a granddaughter and grandson think about Education can do almost anything you want. You can attending Wachik Education Complex. pursue a career in whatever field you want,” The grandchildren are in Grades 6 and 12. said Ms. Cook. The Shoal Lake Cree Nation hosted an open Ms. Cook and her partner Brad Cook house on the East Central First Nations have raised five daughters and all of them Education Partnership on March 22, 2018. graduated from the Wachik Education Ms. Cook attended, driving from Nipawin Complex at Shoal Lake Cree Nation. The where she was living at the time. daughters are Jolene Head, Susan Head, Jennifer McKay, Justina Whitehead and “I went to the open house as I wanted Shannon Cook. All of their children went information on the East Central First on to post-secondary and each is pursuing Nations Education Partnership’s activities their career or starting their career. Four and goals. I asked about ten questions at of the children have chosen education as a the various booths and I received answers career, while one is in the nursing field. to my questions,” she said. Now a homemaker, Ms. Cook went to Ms. Cook attended an East Central First school at Wachik Education Complex for her Nations Education Partnership Presentation elementary school grades and then went made during a general band meeting on to high school at LP Miller Comprehensive November 28, 2018. At the session on Hight School in Nipawin. She completed November 28, Ms. Cook listened to Harold part of Grade 11. Ms. Cook took post- (Butch) Carriere’s presentation. Mr. Carriere secondary training and pursued a career is an interim board member representing in health care, working as a community Shoal Lake Cree Nation and is the principal health representative for 11 years. She of the Wachik Education Complex. also worked as a diabetes assistant worker On December 3, 2018, in the gymnasium of for Prince Albert Grand Council and at the the Wachik Education Complex, Ms. Cook Shoal Lake Cree Nation Member Doreen Cook and her Nipawin hospital. granddaughter Emmy Whitehead. Continued on next page...

9 ...Continued from previous page

attended the Community to ask questions in a conversational style been created and I believe it is the right time Meeting Presentation, which one on one rather than asking in front of an to consider the future of Education at Shoal was given by Randy Constant audience.” Lake Cree Nation,” she said. “The Partnership and Mr. Carriere. Mr. presents the opportunity for members Constant is the President of Members at Shoal Lake Cree Nation are to seriously think about Education in our the interim board for the East interested in the work of the board and want community and to have their opinions heard.” Central First Nations Education more information on what the Partnership is Partnership. doing, according to Ms. Cook. She would like “From what I have learned about the to see more printed products for members to Partnership, I think the Partnership will mean Ms. Cook asked questions at the view and thinks informational material should more employment for band members, the Community Presentation. “I was be delivered door-to-door on-reserve. facilities will be better maintained, there sitting with a number of members who were will be more financial resources for schools having a hard time understanding what was “I strongly support getting an education for all and the community will have control over being presented,” she said. “I wanted to children and youth and graduating Grade 12 the curriculum,” said Ms. Cook. “With the know why the board did not use the style and then onto post-secondary education,” she Partnership, there will be more up-to-date of an open house as it allowed for more says, with a voice strong with loving emotion. technology and testing of children with special questions and members had the opportunity “I think it is timely that the Partnership has needs and appropriate referrals made.”

Herb Burns says, “If we want On March 21, Mr. Burns attended the East Central First Nations Education our children to succeed, it Partnership’s open house held in the will take the whole community gymnasium at Bernard Constant Community School. During the open house session, Mr. becoming involved.” Burns said he liked the fact that the setup gave him the opportunity to go and ask Herb Burns is a member of the James questions of the interim board members Smith Cree Nation and has spent time in and others. his retirement researching education and children. From the material he has read He enjoyed reading the newsletter and on Education, he has learned that a child took one home with him and read all of learns more during the ages of 1 to 5 years the pages. Since then, he has looked at and that this age bracket is important as it the newsletter again and thinks the product determines the child’s success in later years. was informative and well put together. Mr. Burns has shared some of the According to Mr. Burns, “Our society information in the newsletter on the at James Smith Cree Nation needs to Partnership with other members. emphasize better educational programming and more parental involvement in the Mr. Burns attended the Community Meeting James Smith Cree Nation Member Herb Burns. education system. I have attended the Presentation on December 5, 2018, and various information sessions that have been liked what he heard and the good ideas that organized by the East Central First Nations were presented. “I don’t see why we can’t want our children to succeed, it will take the Education Partnership because I want to implement the Partnership sooner rather whole community becoming involved.” than later,” he said. “The presentation was know what education the children in our Mr. Burns believes a First Nations Education helpful, had lots of information and was community are receiving now.” Authority will result in happier students and interesting.” Mr. Burns says, “I will attend more teachers and believes a happy mind learns informational sessions, and I will drag some “More parents need to get involved in the more than an angry mind. of my friends along, as it is important for education of their children. I wish more our children and the future of James Smith members would come out and attend these Cree Nation.” sessions and hear what is being presented. I have tried to talk to other members and Born at Kinistino in 1963, Mr. Burns was carry the messages along,” he said. “If we raised at James Smith Cree Nation. He recalls going to school at the Central School on-reserve when the school only offered Grades 1 to 7. Mr. Burns later attended school at Kinistino for Grade 8 and returned to school on-reserve when portable classrooms were added for high school students. Mr. Burns quit school part way through Grade 10. After his formal education ended, he started hunting and trapping. Later on, he began working at various odd jobs on-reserve such as cutting grass, cleaning ditches of debris and performing housing renovations. He continued performing these tasks for his First Nation on contract for many years. He eventually had to retire due to the effects of arthritis on his body. Mr. Burns is the father of five children who attended school on-reserve in their younger years. After his wife passed, the children went to live with his sister and they then Presentation Meetings: The interim board was pleased with both the quality of the questions raised at the meetings attended schools in Kinistino and Melfort. and the number of questions asked by the members.

10 Tabulation of survey respondents attending Open Houses in March

The interim Board of Directors of the East • The “Interim Board of Directors” should • What could we do for Central First Nations Education Partnership be comprised of members from within post-secondary students conducted open houses on the following First Nations. Not outsiders if we are to and high school to dates and in the following communities: be self-sufficient and self-governing as a prepare for university? Cumberland House Cree Nation on March nation(s). 7, 2018, James Smith Cree Nation on • Awesome! March 21, 2018 and Shoal Lake Cree • Appreciative that something like this • Website. Nation on March 22, 2018. Members has come up for our future children and • Just to continue with the attending were asked to complete surveys. leaders. wonderful job you are doing. • Would like to see another interim in the • No. near future hopefully soon. Got a lot of Here is the tabulation of the • Job well done. info from the newsletter. respondents. • Informative, received plenty of • Very informational newsletter. Are information. Please note the following: there going to be more coming for information and status of the • Good. Number of surveys completed at the three partnership? • Very positive. Open Houses is 255. • Make sure our people are consulted all Please note some of the tabulations do • Every step will be worth it. Keep it up. through the process. not add up to 255 due to the fact not all • I happy to know about the support that respondents answered all questions. is being offered to us. • Hope this partnership comes thru. Question 1. - Do you like the graphic • It’s about time this is happening. Our • Setup was good and accessible. Snacks identifier that the East Central First school, kids, educations will benefit. were provided. Everyone seemed Nations Education Partnership is using? • Keep up the good work that your doing. friendly. The graphic identifier is at the top of It would be nice to see more open house • Great idea. this page. sessions in our school in the future. • It’s about time – change. YES 240 NO 11 • This is the first one for me that I’ve • Awesome initiative. I truly wish success Question 2. - Is this the first time you attended, very interesting information. for this authority. have attended an Open House in your Definitely well attend another one in the • Everything looks positive. community? near future. • So excited about what is happening. YES 233 NO 28 • Let’s make education great again! Can’t wait for this to actually happen. Question 3. - Did the Open House allow • I’m surprised at the attendance. Shows Very good for our kids. you to ask questions? us that parents and community. A • Very informative! YES 228 NO 18 good plan. Keep process on going and • I already made up my mind. “Yes!” frequent especially the information to Question 4. - Were you able to obtain • All good. get this partnership stabilized to enable the answers to your questions? us to proceed.. • Missed poster-didn’t know this was YES 222 NO 25 happening. • Yes let those who believe in self- Question 5. - Did you have look at the government administer their own • Well pretty much learned everything newsletter? programming- not outsiders but band here. YES 206 NO 38 members. • I am worried that it will infringe on our Question 6. - Will you take the • Have educated board members. Treaty Right to education. As per Treaty we deserve so much more than just newsletter home and look at it later? • All is good. YES 239 NO 10 getting “what the province gets.” If • How and what types of extra-curricular Question 7. - If you had more questions you start signing agreements with the programs can teachers offer to the province we will be at the mercy of the about the Education Partnership, would students? you come to another Open House? SK Premier and after that, what’s next? • This is awesome! They could amalgamate our students to YES 239 NO 10 • Mott’s. the provincial system. We should have Question 8. - Any comments that you • Very interesting. Definitely will attend more Open Houses! want to provide to the members of the again. • Our own Education Authority is a Interim Board of Directors? • Very nice! great way to honour our Treaties and Comments 92: Sovereign Nations. (transcribed exactly as written) • Native love. • Great job and I am excited for the • Ok to better education for the kids and • Very good! outcome. a better deal for teachers. • Great work hope to see this in our • Great job. • Education pay be reasonable, pay to live school! on by-weekly. • Everything is all good. Learned a lot • Will there be any newsletters going out as to how progress is going throughout • Make people accountable in every area about this open house meeting. this process? – school, board, employees, etc. Be • Illegible one word. • When is this Partnership complete date? honest at all times !!! • Good presenter. • Maybe at a later date. • Akamenênimohk (keep on going w • They are doing a great job on strength and courage – don’t give up). introducing this to our community. • Well presented. • School be culturally based to benefit • This idea will benefit every learner. I • Good job! students. look forward to seeing this grow in our • More community events and workshops • Whatever is done must be done in good communities. would be a great idea. fashion. • Would you be able to send minutes of • Will there be a community board? • It’s about time!! each meeting? Where will the office be located? Any other job available for this?

11 • I really like the idea of this • The future of our Aboriginal People • No comments. Partnership and what it has looks brighter than ever! (And will) • Survey was presented at the registration to offer education monies • Left them questions with the hosts of before I reviewed the presentation. should stay within our each booth sessions. • Thanks for the lunch. educators not with the Chief • Yes I would like to see more booths • If I have comments. and Council. with opportunities for the young • It’s an awesome Open people that need to be explored House. outside the community. Upcoming Partnership Open Houses • Teacherages in the community. • Looks good. (Why didn’t you put logo/ Please plan to attend one of the following • Would appreciate more info and banner. Too technical they should logo Open Houses occurring between 3:30 and keep an eye on the website. or banner) 7 pm with dinner served at 5 pm. • Looking good, great look ahead. • No comments. At the Open Houses, you can meet • “Very proud of the education direction • Presentation to people to understand members of the East Central First and vision.” more (someone that will explain it). Nations Education Partnership and obtain information on the Partnership and on the • Thanks for putting this together and for • Through this Partnership fills for every latest activities of the interim board. all the info that was provided, would department, guess not. definitely attend if there was another • James Smith Cree Nation, Monday, • No comments. March 4, 2019; one to happen. • Not yet. • Signed, sealed and delivered. • Cumberland House Cree Nation, • What are we expected of? Are we Tuesday, March 5, 2019; and • This would be excellent if this going to be part of this illegible? How Partnership would go through. will this affect our education system? • Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Wednesday, • Good job. • Not now. March 6, 2019.

If you want more information about the East page and our YouTube channel to see more Central First Nations Education Partnership, content about the East Central First Nations please visit our website at www.ecfnep.ca Education Partnership. The website also has The website has video interviews with the copies of our printed products for those who chiefs, interim board members, school staff would like to take a look. and other members. Visit our Facebook

For further information, please contact: James Smith Cree Nation - Interim President Wachik Education Complex (306) 888-7034 of the board Randy Constant, Principal of or the East Central First Nations Education Cumberland House Cree Nation - Interim Bernard Constant Community School (306) Partnership Website at: www.ecfnep.ca Vice-president of the board Abraham Am- 864-7711 ponash, Principal of Nisto Awasisak Memorial Shoal Lake Cree Nation – Interim board School (306) 888-2034 member Harold (Butch) Carriere, Principal of

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