Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Government Invests $3 Million for First Nations and Métis Students

Released on January 7, 2014

Education Minister Don Morgan today announced a $3 million investment to improve education outcomes for First Nations and Métis students.  Members of the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis People were in attendance for the announcement.

“This funding represents government’s continued commitment to consider the Joint Task Force recommendations as we work with our partners to improve outcomes for First Nations and Métis people.” Morgan said.  “Providing culturally appropriate and holistic approaches is fundamental for improving education outcomes for our students.”

“I thank the province for their investment, which is a positive step toward improving education and employment outcomes for First Nations and Métis students and I thank our other partners - the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Joint Task Force - and commend their efforts in making this announcement a reality,” FSIN Second Vice Chief Bobby Cameron said.  “This announcement will have a positive impact on parents through the Help Me Tell My Story, and will also help schools through the Microsoft Licensing program and with delivery of second level services through the Joint Initiatives initiative.  There is still much more work to be done, and we look forward to continued progress in other the areas identified in the JTF report.”

“On behalf of my colleagues on the Joint Task Force, we are pleased the partners are continuing to focus on identifying opportunities to work together,” Joint Task Force Chair Gary Merasty said.  “At the end of the day our goal was to focus on pragmatic ideas and solutions to support Aboriginal student success.”

The funding is being directed toward two initiatives:
  • $1.5 million to expand the use of Help Me Tell My Story (HMTMS), which aligns with Joint Task Force participants’ requests for programming that supports parents to be “teachers in their own homes.”  HMTMS is proving to be a valuable support for re-engaging parents and the community in oral language development and education of children.  Engaging parents and Elders in their children's education is foundational to greater student achievement.
  • $1.5 million for an Invitational Shared Services initiative to provide on-reserve schools with the same supports to students and teachers that are available in provincial schools.  Education organizations and provincial school divisions will share approaches that have demonstrated improvements for student success with the First Nations pilot schools. 
“As a result of our school division’s participation in Help Me Tell My Story, we are better able to form relationships, open the lines of communication, and to establish the partnerships that allow us to connect curriculum, classroom, families and communities, which ultimately allows us to truly be able to provide excellence for every learner,” Saskatchewan Rivers School Division Superintendent of Schools Maureen Taylor said.  “It is exciting to see Help Me Tell My Story being expanded to additional schools and school divisions, so that they too can realize the success we have experienced.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has already implemented several actions that respond to the recommendations in the JTF final report, such as increasing Adult Basic Education spaces, expanding child care and Prekindergarten spaces and ensuring driver education is available to on-reserve students.  The government is also working with the FSIN to support the costs for First Nations’ schools to access the provincial PreK-12 Microsoft Licensing Agreement.

The government is also working with the FSIN to support the costs for First Nations’ schools to access the provincial PreK-12 Microsoft Licensing Agreement.

The Joint Task Force final report encouraged government to engage in long-term, integrated, multi-year actions grounded in three overarching foundational understandings, which are: dignified mutual relationships; poverty reduction and the prevalence of racism; and recognizing First Nations and Métis cultures and languages. 

In addition to funding from the Ministry of Education, the Government of Saskatchewan is also investing nearly $50 million in First Nation and Métis post-secondary education and training in 2013-14 through funding from the Ministries of Advanced Education and Economy.  This enables First Nation and Métis people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to participate fully in the Saskatchewan economy.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Colleen Book
Education
Phone: 306-787-3955
Email: colleen.book@gov.sk.ca

Allen Gabriel
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Saskatoon
Phone: 778-928-1590
Email: dircomm@fsin.com

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve