Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

May 3, 2003 - Issue 86

First Nations Schools in B.C. Will Receive $1.4 Million

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 25, 2003 - On-reserve First Nations schools in British Columbia will receive an additional $1.4 million from the Government of Canada for computers, Internet access, technical support and training. The funds will be administered by local Aboriginal organizations. Industry Canada's First Nations SchoolNet Program has chosen the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Schools Association to manage and deliver the services until March 2004.

With this funding, Aboriginal youth will be better equipped to develop valuable knowledge and skills.

"Internet access and e-learning are allowing First Nations students to pursue unprecedented opportunities for learning and skills development within their own communities," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "This forward-thinking partnership demonstrates our mutual commitment to providing First Nations youth with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills.

"The First Nations Education Steering Committee is pleased to enhance the technological capacity of First Nations schools in British Columbia, thanks to Industry Canada's First Nations SchoolNet Program," said Christa Williams, Executive Director of the First Nations Education Steering Committee. "The program is an important lever in raising awareness about the importance of technology for communities.

On March 14, 2003, Industry Canada nationally announced six regional management organizations for the First Nations SchoolNet Program. The First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Schools Association were among these organizations, which were selected based on their knowledge and experience of First Nations connectivity issues, and their ability to deliver the First Nations SchoolNet Program regionally. The organizations will work collaboratively to support the connectivity of British Columbia's First Nations schools. Both organizations are directed by representatives of First Nations communities and First Nations schools, and are dedicated to ensuring that all First Nations students are provided opportunities to succeed through quality educational programs and services.

Launched in 1996, First Nations SchoolNet has helped connect 70 percent of all First Nations schools in British Columbia and 80 per cent of all First Nations schools across Canada to the Internet. Regional management organizations will continue to provide services to participating schools and will support schools that have yet to be connected. All First Nations schools under Government of Canada jurisdiction are eligible to participate in the program.

First Nations SchoolNet supports Canada's Innovation Strategy, which includes developing skills and knowledge for Canada's Aboriginal youth living in rural and remote communities.

For more information on the First Nations SchoolNet Program, visit www.schoolnet.ca/aboriginal or call 1 800 575-9200.
For more information on the First Nations Education Steering Committee, visit www.fnesc.ca. For more information about the First Nations School Association visit www.fnsa.ca/

British Columbia

Background
The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), launched in 1992, is a charitable organization located in Vancouver, British Columbia, composed of 48 First Nations education representatives. Its mandate is to facilitate discussion about education matters affecting British Columbia's First Nations by disseminating information and soliciting input from First Nations. It works as a collective organization to support First Nations schools and communities in providing education and to communicate with the federal and provincial governments to ensure that First Nations concerns are addressed. FNESC maintains several sub-committees in adult education,
post-secondary education, Aboriginal languages and special needs.

Connectivity Details

• There are 153 First Nations schools in British Columbia. 108 schools are connected.
  
• 83 percent of schools have a slow connection; 54 percent of schools are
  using DirecPC where bandwidth is shared nationally and the Internet connection is
  
• the equivalent of dial-up at peak periods.
  
• Province provides PL.Net connectivity to most schools, some via M-SAT
  
• Average school population is 50 students
  

Contact:
Phillip Djwa
SchoolNet Project Coordinator
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Suite 113-100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, British Columbia
V7T 1A2
Tel.: (604) 925-6087
Fax: (604) 925-6097

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