The provincial government has announced systematic changes to help improve outcomes for K-12 Indigenous students.

But the changes have already long been in place within Central Okanagan Public Schools, dating back almost two decades.

Proposals amendments to the School Act will call for First Nations and Treaty First Nations to have the option at their request to enter local education agreements with boards of education; to establish an Indigenous education council in school districts; and enable First Nations students to decide which school students who live on reserve, self-governing or treaty lands will attend.

鈥淧art of reconciliation is to listen and make the changes needed to ensure First Nations students succeed in school,鈥� said Education and Child Care Minister Rachna Singh in the announcement.

Terry-Lee Beaudry, deputy school superintendent, revealed the announcement to school trustees at the board of education meeting on Wednesday.

Beaudry noted the Central Okanagan School District and Westbank First Nation have signed eight local education agreements dating back to the early 2000s, with the current deal entering the fourth of a five year agreement.

As for creation of an Indigenous education council, Beaudry said an Aboriginal education committee was first established locally in 2003, and in 2009 was renamed as the Indigenous Education Council.

Central Okanagan Public Schools has been at the forefront of improving education opportunities for Indigenous students and adopting the principles of Truth and Reconciliation for more than two decades.

Preserving First Nations culture and history for Indigenous students and offering credit courses prior to those being mandated by the education ministry last year has contributed to a graduation rate among local Indigenous students higher than the provincial average.

Tyrone McNeil, president of the First Nations Steering Committee, applauded the amendments to the School Act as helping to improve Indigenous student learning outcomes.

鈥淭his work includes ensuring the provincial public school system is responsive to, and respects and incorporates the perspectives of First Nations to better support this student population in a meaningful and appropriate way,鈥� McNeil said.

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