Province increases aid for on-reserve students

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education has evenly distributed $2.4 million to support 16 invitational shared services initiative partnerships in 2014-15. ISSI partnerships provide students at on-reserve schools with the same supports available in provincial schools, such as speech language pathologists, math consultants and graduation coaches. The ministry asked Aboriginal education organizations to identify what types of shared services were needed and worked together to develop partnerships with 11 school divisions. “We are committed to improving education and employment outcomes for First Nations and Métis people in response to the joint task force recommendations,” said Education Minister Don Morgan. During 2013-14, the province invested $1.5 million in 10 ISSI partnerships. In April 2013, the task force’s final report was released by the provincial government and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, which focused on improving education and employment for First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan.