Trondk Hwchin, Yukon gov't commit to culturally-inclusive education system in Dawson City

The Tr'ondk Hwch'inFirst Nation (TH)and the Yukon government say they'll work together tocreatea more inclusiveand representative education system in Dawson City, Yukon.

The two governments have signed what they're describing as a milestone agreement on education.

Theagreement continues a shared commitment to the co-governance of education within the Tr'ondk Hwch'intraditional territory andrepresents a formal partnership between both governments. The goal is an education system that reflects the unique values and culture of the Tr'ondk Hwch'in people.

The new agreement sets out commitments on shared education priorities, which includeimprovingeducation outcomes for all students, ensuringeducation programs fully integrateTr'ondk Hwch'inculture, history, and language, and sharingdecision-makingresponsibility.

A ceremony was held on Friday at the Robert Service School in Dawson, where Tr'ondk Hwch'incouncillor Kyrie Nagano was joined by Yukon Education Minister Jeanie McLean to sign the letter of agreement.

"It is a recognition that as people living on Tr'ondk Hwch'intraditional territory, we must have sustainable education systems that reflect the knowledge and needs of our community," Nagano said. "It is a commitment to rejecting systems built by others and to build an education system for the benefit of everyone."

McLean said the two governments will "work in partnership to improve education outcomes for all students."

"Most importantly, we will create a truly collaborative approach to education where the voices of theTr'ondk Hwch'incitizens are heard, valued, and actioned on."

11 years to get here

In 2013, the territorial government andTr'ondk Hwch'in signed an agreement to begin sharing responsibility for education in the First Nation'straditional territory.

Section 17.7 of the Tr'ondk Hwch'in self governmentagreement statesthat the First Nationand the Yukon Government shall negotiate the division and sharing of responsibility for the design, delivery and administration of programs delivered within the traditional territory.

Jody Beaumont, TH's director of education, said that under its self government agreement, the First Nation could start its own schoolbut has instead "committed to a different path forward."

"A separate school does not fit TH's vision for education, norTr'ondk's value system that focuses on relationships, reciprocity, and the care and responsibility for TH territory and everyone who chooses to live here," Beaumont said.

Beaumont said signing the letter of agreement doesn't mean that all of the work is done. Now both governments have startedwork to enhanceand expandthe delivery of Hn language, culture, and heritage education programs in the TH traditional territory.