The Federal Government and Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority, signed a new regional education agreement today benefiting approximately 1,200 First Nations students. It is the first agreement of its kind in Alberta. The agreement recognizes the right of First Nations people to make educational decisions that affect their students; to control their own education institutions; and, to respond to the unique needs, experiences, beliefs and values of First Nations students.

The agreement will:

• Recognize and respect the diversity of the five First Nations communities;
• Work to empower each participating First Nation to improve their educational outcomes, and;
• Preserve and utilize Indigenous knowledge, philosophy, Nehiyiwewin (Cree) language and local values and beliefs.

Treaty No. 8 First Nations located in North-Central Alberta:

• Loon River First Nation
• Lubicon Lake Band
• Peerless Trout First Nation
• Whitefish Lake First Nation
• Woodland Cree First Nation.