Presently the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has several Joint Working Groups with Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC).  These JWG’s will work in co-operation to develop business cases in the following areas to try and increase levels of funding in the different areas of education.

There is a JWG in Jurisdiction and Systems.  Several people from across the country are working with INAC and the AFN to establish jurisdiction for their First Nation communities.  To date this working group has set up a terms of reference that will guide them through the process.  Chief Nathan Mathew is the Chair from British Columbia.

There is also a Band Operated Funding Formula Group (BOFF).  This working group is trying to develop a business case to try and close the gap on the funding level for the first Nations in comparison to the Provincial Schools funding.  They are making a case based on the Education Price Index (EPI) which is considerably higher in the case of provincial funding.

The next is Post Secondary Education (PSE).  Currently this working group is doing a review of the current situation in PSE.  We are examining the levels of funding and also the policy for PSE.  There are sure to be changes in the policy for PSE.

The Special Education Funding has been reviewed and the Treasury Board has approved the funding for this area.  Communities are receiving the new funding.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 1st, 2005 at 2:25 pm and is filed under General.