Improve educational outcomes

The Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis People was delivered in the Legislature on April 15. The report, Voice, Vision and Leadership: A Place for All, is the work of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the provincial government. Research and consultation undertaken by Métis Nation – Saskatchewan was incorporated into the report. The three-member task force, chaired by Gary Merasty, was launched in March 2012 with a mandate to focus on four key areas: early childhood, prekindergarten to Grade 12, post-secondary, and labour-force attachment. There are 25 recommendations covering issues such as an early childhood strategy, literacy, education funding and skills training. There are short, medium and long-range recommendations. Merasty said some action could be taken immediately. The province’s 2013-14 budget provides $3 million for task force recommendations as well as an additional $22.2 million for initiatives intended to support improved First Nations and Métis education and employment outcomes.  This includes $3.8 million to support the First Nations and Métis Education Achievement Fund, as well as an increase of $1.5 million for Adult Basic Education on-reserve.