Better Access to Technology and Resources for K-12 Students In First Nation Schools

Released on April 1, 2014

Today, Education Minister Don Morgan, alongside Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice Chief Bobby Cameron, announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will invest $120,000 to include all First Nation K-12 schools in the provincial Microsoft Licensing Agreement, which will provide students in First Nation schools with more equitable access to technology and resources. This investment responds to the recommendations of the Joint Task Force, by helping to increase technological literacy and meet the learning needs of all Saskatchewan students.

This is the first time ever that First Nation K-12 schools will be included in the Microsoft Licensing Agreement.

“As identified by the Joint Task Force, our lives, communities and workplaces change in response to evolving technology and a knowledge-based economy,” Education Minister Don Morgan said. “Our goal is to ensure that there are better learning resources in all schools to support positive education and employment outcomes for all students, regardless of where they attend school.”

The inclusion of First Nation K-12 schools in the agreement will result in better technology to support both students and teachers in the classroom, as well as administration. It will also provide software purchasing savings and regular software updates. First Nation K-12 schools will have access to the Microsoft software in April, 2014.

“Including First Nations schools in the new Microsoft Licensing Agreement is a welcomed addition to the classrooms on our Treaty territories,” Cameron said. “Having updated software is essential for the use of information technology in learning, and will greatly contribute to the educational successes of First Nations students and the future leaders of Saskatchewan. We are pleased to see that the recommendations of the Joint Task Force are being recognized and followed through, but there is much work to be done.”

In the 2014-15 Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan committed double the amount provided last year, for a total of $6 million, to continue to address the recommendations from the Joint Task Force. The government will continue to work with its partners to allocate these funds, and work to achieve the targets outlined in the province’s Plan for Growth.

Since receiving the final report and recommendations from the Joint Task Force, the Government of Saskatchewan has implemented a number of initiatives to support First Nation and Métis students, including increased Adult Basic Education spaces, expanded driver education to on-reserve students, expanded child care and Prekindergarten spaces, $1.5 million to bring Help Me Tell My Story to an additional 100 on-and off reserve schools and $1.5 million to pilot the Invitational Shared Services Initiative to provide on-reserve schools with the same supports to students and teachers that are available in provincial schools.

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For more information, contact:

Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506

Krystine Lamotte
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-956-6904
Email: krystine.lamotte@fsin.com

Josephine Williams
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-956-1057
Email: josephine.williams@fsin.com

Better Access to Technology and Resources for K-12 Students In First Nation Schools

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