BC celebrating increased graduation rates for Indigenous students

The BC government is reporting increases in the graduation rates of the province’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The 6-year completion rate for Aboriginal students reached a record high of 62% in 2013-14, a 46% increase from the rate in 2000-01. Fort Nelson, Conseil scolaire francophone, and Sea to Sky school districts all had Aboriginal completion rates over 80%, while Vancouver Island West and Stikine school districts were highlighted for having the most significant increases over 2012-13. Tyrone McNeil, President of the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), credited the “renewed spirit of collaboration” between the ministry and FNESC, and the dedication of trustees and principals to make First Nations education a priority. “When our students see themselves reflected in the curriculum they tend to latch on and do better,” said McNeil. School District 43 is highlighting their improved numbers this year also, where the 6-year completion rate for Aboriginal students is now 75%, partially credited to the new Suwa'lkh School in Coquitlam, which embeds First Nations culture into core and elective courses. BC News Release | Vancouver Sun | Tri-City News