Governance
Governance House
In 2018, the Chief and Council of seven First Nation communities created Governance House to set the vision and strategic direction of all programs and services. It serves all Indigenous people in Saskatoon through a Political Accord signed with other Saskatchewan Tribal Councils. This approach lends to more accountable, efficient, stable, and transparent governance while maintaining a respectful and effective distinction between the roles of leadership and management.
Governance House sets the mandate for four corporate functions of the Saskatoon Tribal Council:
- Saskatoon Tribal Council Youth and Recreation Services (includes Education)
- Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation
- Saskatoon Tribal Council Economic Development Inc.
- Saskatoon Tribal Council Wellness and Well- being Inc.
It will oversee operations the Education Alliance, just as the provincial government sets operations for the Ministry of Education.
Saskatoon Tribal Council
Each of the participating First Nations have signed a Band Council Resolution committing to the Education Alliance. In practical terms, member First Nations have resolved to:
- Raise outcomes in areas such as student wellbeing and achievement
- Indigenize the education system in classrooms and administrative offices
- Implement treaty rights and secure jurisdiction
- Ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place
- Secure sustainable funding and resources.
In 2018, the Strategic Framework was developed in consultation with a Technical Team, made up of representatives from participating First Nations. The Framework defines all roles, responsibilities and actions in the operation of the Education Alliance. Each participating First Nation is responsible for governing, managing, and administering their local school, with the support of the Education Alliance staff. This support could include:
- Setting and approving a School Learning Plan, a Strategic Plan and an Annual Plan
- Determining and approving budget
- Managing finances
- Managing staff
- Managing partnerships
- Developing local content
- Administering the academic program for K-12 Education
- Providing Human Resources, IT and Data Management services
The Saskatoon Tribal Council Education Framework will serve as the basis for the development of the Regional Education Agreement. The agreement outlines how programs and services provided by the STC are being devolved to communities. It also describes the communities’ desire for local control, and how they will take on greater responsibilities to accommodate capacity development. Every school within the Educational Alliance will have a ground-up approach to ensure that local structures and processes are responsive and relevant.
Regional Education Agreement
Member First Nations can withdraw from the Education Alliance by giving notice to the STC Board of Directors. They remain vested in the STC, and can continue to participate with the Education Alliance through non-voting delegates.
