About Us


Communities / Team / Mission

History

The very first meeting of Indian educators was held in 1982 at which time a common goal to improve the development of Indian education in Quebec was expressed. It was clear that many communities required support while they were slowly evolving towards complete control over the establishment by their education system. In 1984, the establishment of a solid and well-structured organization with permanent staff was recommended to ensure the best possible education was received by First Nations. The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) was thus created in April 1985.

The philosophy was then, and still is today, that only First Nations people can develop an education system that is based on First Nations values.

Vision

The First Nations Education Council is an association built on the collective strength of all the Nations of Quebec, and that will lead them towards the common goal of offering quality education to all First Nations children. The FirstNations Education Council will ensure that the goal of quality, holistic education, as defined by our members, and attained through complete jurisdictional autonomy over our education programs, will be achieved in a spirit of collaboration, respect, sharing, and commitment.

Primary Mandates

  • Carry out all work assigned by the General and Special Assemblies.
  • Take political action to ensure that First Nations regain full control of their education.
  • Take administrative action to ensure respect of the educational rights of First Nations communities.
  • Take all necessary measures to advance and increase the quality of First Nations educational programs and services.
  • Conduct studies and make recommendations on governments’ political and administrative decisions on Aboriginal education.
  • Manage programs transferred by different government departments and ensure that services are developed for the benefit of the communities.
  • Provide human resources and consulting services to its member communities, as requested.
  • Produce pedagogical documents, newsletters and pamphlets on issues that are of interest to the member communities.
  • Maintain links with other First Nations organizations working in education.