Our Children Our Future Our Vision - People for Education

Our Children, Our Future, Our Vision
COMMENTS: There were 62 comments in this category, which were coded under the major themes
of Funding (15), Curriculum (9), Tuition Agreements (5), Resources (3), Language and Culture (2),
Special Education (2), and General Comments (26).
Respondents cited Funding (15) and Resources (3) as primary concerns in First Nation schools,
which they noted were not comparable to schools in the provincial system, and “prevented equality”
so that First Nation “students can have the same opportunity to succeed as students in provincial
schools.” Respondents also commented that Curriculum (9) used in First Nation schools should
“have a balance in their culture and the western culture.”
4. Band Operated Funding Formula (BOFF)
Q1: The current funding formula for band operated schools is appropriate and sufficiently meets
the needs of our students. In the area of funding levels and the use of the Band Operated Funding
Formula for determining base funding levels, 62.8% of the respondents were in total disagreement,
and 17.7% were in some disagreement with the statement, for a total of 80.5%. Only 8.4% felt that
the BOFF was appropriate and sufficient to meet the needs of students.
Q2: The 2% cap imposed on the funding levels in 1996 must be lifted and funding levels must accurately
reflect cost of living increases and population growth. Respondents to this statement felt
that the 2% cap on funding must be lifted, with 88.8% in full / overwhelmingly in agreement with
the statement.
Q3: Salaries, benefits and pensions for teachers in band operated schools must be comparable to
provincially funded systems. Respondents were in full / overwhelmingly in agreement that teachers
in First Nations schools should be comparably compensated, with 86.1% in full / overwhelmingly
in agreement with the statement.
COMMENTS: There were 47 comments in this category, which were coded under the major themes
of Salaries (14), the Formula (14), Leadership (8), and General Comments (11).
Respondents noted that Salaries (14) for First Nations teachers and staff were of primary concern,
and needed to be increased in parity with the province in order to “retain high quality teachers”
and to eliminate the “high staff turn-over” found on many reserves. Salaries were also seen as
“the main barrier to achieving and maintaining success for band operated schools,” as well as to
“encourage First Nation people to pursue a career in education.”
In the area of the Formula (14), respondents commented that the formula “creates poverty within
First Nation communities,” with one respondent commenting “why are our students worth half
of those in the provincial system?” There were eight (8) comments centred on Leadership, with
respondents appealing to their local leaders to “fight for children and the next 7 generations,” and
Chiefs of Ontario
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