Funding

Governance

First Nation’s schooling is more than brick and mortar. Our schools are comprised of people, knowledge, and beliefs about how that knowledge is transmitted, tested, and evaluated. Research has continuously and repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of adequate, sufficient, sustainable, and predictable funding. Without funding, we cannot provide the training, supports, resources, or financial incentives to develop and retain qualified professionals. We are denied safe, secure, and effective learning environments.

The Education Governance Team has consistently argued that the provincial funding formula is not the appropriate funding model to be used in First Nations communities. With the new education funding from the 2016 budget and going forward, Indigenous Services Canada has communicated the Saskatchewan Provincial Funding and Distribution Model will be used as a base when providing education funding to First Nations. Additional resources for enhancements and adaptations can be negotiated by independent First Nations or aggregates. It is not appropriate to transpose a model that has its own historical distinctiveness and is rooted in a governance structure that has supports and resources set out in legislation.

Member communities have communicated that needs-based funding is necessary to establish an adequate, stable and efficient support for a responsive, innovative, flexible and equitable education system. This allows for the development of and adherence to standards that are accountable and transparent to the members.