Treaty 4 Education Alliance (T4EA) and the Government of Canada recently announced the signing of a significant Letter of Understanding that will shape the future of on reserve education in the Treaty 4 Territory.

“With this Letter of Understanding we are committing providing the students within the Treaty 4 Territory all the opportunities they need to be successful,” said T4EA Chair and Muskowekwan Chief Reginald Bellerose in a media release. “This partnership represents a transformation of the First Nation education system and a renewal of the inherent right to education through the treaty.”

This important initiative supports First Nations-led education transformation and reflects Canada’s commitment to support a quality and culturally relevant First Nations education system, developed and controlled by First Nations.

“This Letter of Understanding marks the path forward in creating a First Nations-led education system for Treaty 4 First Nations students; one that fosters student success in a culturally relevant learning environment,” said The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “This is part of broader shift to ensure to a future where Indigenous peoples fully exercise the right to self-determination. I look forward to the work ahead with our partners and to the successes of First Nations students for generations to come.”

Treaty 4 Education Alliance is an educational organization supporting on reserve education for 12 First Nations in the Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan, Canada.