Participation in the
AFN Education Forum 

From February 24 to 26, 2026, the FNEC participated in the Assembly of First Nations Education Forum. The event was held in Vancouver and attracted more than 900 participants to underline UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade. The event shed light on key issues, such as linguistic revitalization, education rooted in First Nations knowledge, intergenerational approaches, lifelong learning, school infrastructure, adult education and the use of artificial intelligence.

The FNEC presented the Regional Education Agreement (REA), its outcome, its key components, its renewal process and the next steps toward a completely autonomous system, designed by and for First Nations. Since it was signed in 2022, the REA has resulted in: 

• adequate and stable funding for K-12 education; 

• the hiring of qualified staff; 

• the implementation of culturally adapted programs; 

• an increase in techno-pedagogical capabilities; 

• environments that favour Land-based learning. 

Despite a challenging budgetary context, the FNEC has reasserted the importance of perseverance. Our presentation  illustrated several tangible successes and emphasized the need to pursue the transformation of the education system to the benefit of all First Nations in Canada. 

Manawan's Education Symposium 

The FNEC’s 5th Education Symposium was held on February 19 and 20 in the beautiful community of Manawan. In total, 27 presenters offered teachers, professionals, teacher’s aides, and all school staff the opportunity to discover good practices in teaching and educational intervention. 

This event was a privileged moment to learn more about various projects in First Nations pedagogy as well as cultural initiatives developed by the FNEC member communities. An event that brought together more than a hundred passionate education professionals from our member communities and that will certainly contribute to the educational success of our students. 

House of Knowledge

The implementation of the House of Knowledge is an important step in the educational self-determination of First Peoples. In a spirit of remaining consistent with our lifelong educational success, the project has been entrusted to FNEC educational services management. The team is hard at work drafting a business plan and will benefit from this final year of work to refine the project and clarify its scope. 

The FNEC is also preparing the political environment for the project’s submission. It met with the three political parties that make up the official opposition in the Quebec National Assembly for this purpose. The project was well received, and the members showed strong support for our institution to get off the ground. As a result of the efforts by our Director General, the Minister Sonia LeBel agreed to meet with the FNEC team. The House of Knowledge will be among the topics discussed at the meeting. 

Finally, we are marking the first anniversary of the signing of the framework agreement between all Quebec universities and the House of Knowledge. On the same date next year, with this agreement as a foundation, we will have submitted the business plan to the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur!  

Huge Success for Kiuna's Open House 

On January 28, Kiuna held its open house and career
day for the fall 2026 session.  

The event was attended by many people who came to discover Kiuna’s programs, services and student life, in a warm and dynamic atmosphere. Committed partners were on hand to run the various booths.   

These partners included representatives from the FNEC, the Canadian Armed Forces Carcajou program, Hydro-Québec 
and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.   

Participants learned more about prospects for education, employment and collaboration through rewarding discussions. It was a very successful day, demonstrating the growing interest in Kiuna!