The B.C. government is taking steps to address the shortage of Indigenous teachers by funding First Nations-led teacher-education programs. In partnership with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA), the province has allocated $5.4 million over two years to support community-based programs.
The funding will help launch bachelor’s degree programs in education at three First Nations, with a focus on language revitalization and Indigenous language teaching. These programs are set to begin between fall 2025 and early 2026, enrolling 50 to 60 students, with graduates expected by 2028.
Additionally, six other First Nations and organizations have received $50,000 grants to support the early stages of teacher-education programs. The goal is to increase the number of Indigenous teachers in B.C.’s K-12 public schools, creating a more inclusive and culturally relevant education system.
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, advancing First Nations self-determination, and reducing barriers to post-secondary education for Indigenous students. By supporting these programs, the province aims to enhance Indigenous representation in classrooms and strengthen teaching capacities across the province.
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