Assembly of First Nations: National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Calls on Canada to Honour K-12 Education Transformation Commitments

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak Calls on Canada to Honour K-12 Education Transformation Commitments

(January 17, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement calling on Canada to uphold its commitments to First Nations K-12 Education Transformation following the release of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) K-12 First Nations Education Transformation Costing Analysis Report.

In 2019, Canada implemented a new co-developed policy and funding approach to better support the needs of First Nations elementary and secondary students on-reserve. Today's report highlights the limited progress in finalizing Regional Education Agreements (REAs). The report also highlights the need for greater collaboration between existing federal departments, particularly Central Agencies, to properly support First Nations in improving their education systems.

"The Government of Canada’s inability to consistently finalize and support REAs falls below the standards First Nations expect. Education remains an inherent and Treaty right," said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "Replacing outdated models with sustainable, needs-based funding is critical. A new government, with a new mandate, must address the growing backlog of REAs and fulfill its fiduciary responsibility to First Nations."

"The report shows that most First Nations are settling for funding that only covers 50% of their actual needs in education agreement negotiations. Meanwhile, the infrastructure gap is growing, with half of First Nations schools—202 in total—overcrowded. Additionally, 54% of First Nations students are forced to leave their communities to attend high school, where they often encounter systemic racism and schools that are unprepared to meet their cultural and language needs," continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.

"Canada must expand opportunities for all First Nations to build and maintain the education infrastructure their communities need. Education decisions today will shape the future of First Nations for generations to come. Canada, including current and future governments, must prioritize First Nations education, meet its obligations, and support First Nations' inherent right to control their education," concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.

The AFN conducted a five-year review of the First Nations Elementary and Secondary Education Transformation Policy and its implementation, publishing the K-12 First Nations Education Transformation Costing Analysis Report. Access the full report and factsheet here: Assembly of First Nations (AFN) K-12 First Nations Education Transformation Costing Analysis Report Factsheet: K-12 Education Transformation Review and Costing Analysis Report Summary

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
cfrancis@afn.ca

Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
343-573-1771 (mobile)
ahammamieh@afn.ca

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