Strategic Plan

Words from the Director General 

Kwe,

Over fifty years ago, First Nations Chiefs from across the country joined together to clearly assert their desire to achieve full educational autonomy. Today, this vision is our compass. The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is committed to fulfilling the vision charted by our Elders: implement an education system that reflects our values, our languages and our aspirations.

It is in this spirit that we created the Strategic Plan 2026-2031. This ambitious document will steer our priorities and collective effort for the next five years. The plan was developed in close collaboration with our 22 member communities. It translates their expectations, their ambitions and their vision of an educational future based on self-determination and excellence. It is structured on five major strategic orientations:

Sovereignty in education

Education and school infrastructure funding

Defense of education and language rights and interests

Implementation of a culturally safe and relevant postsecondary environment

Our organization’s relevance and organizational excellence

Member communities have made excellent progress since the Regional Education Agreement was implemented. This is reflected in improved programs, stronger education services, achievement of performance indicators in schools, and the introduction of a number of initiatives for students. The present plan aims to consolidate this momentum and paves the way to further substantial gains.

Over the next five years, we have our sights set on:

providing a full range of educational services, from preschool to university, with each community fully exercising their inherent right to self-determination;

tearing down systemic barriers so that our youth can access key professions in essential fields, including health, education, law, and many others;

training a new generation of proud, committed leaders, who are bearers of change in their communities;

developing a highly-qualified labour force that is ready to get involved in large-scale national projects, including the Alto High-Speed Rail project;

providing an education rooted in First Nations cultures, languages and values, while preparing young people to become agents of renewal, particularly in the fields of information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;

ensuring culturally-safe learning, which encourages pride in First Nations identity, proficiency in First Nations languages, bilingualism (First Nations language and French or English), and development of academic skills essential for success.

We are committed to helping each community to achieve its ideal school: a place of learning where each child can thrive, belong and prepare to become a future leader. By honouring our roots and learning with pride, together we will continue to transform education for the generations to come.

Denis Gros-Louis
Director General
FNEC