First Nation K-12 Education

A good education is one of the best ways to make sure that every child has a fair chance at the best life possible. High-quality, culturally appropriate education is especially important if we want to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for First Nations children, youth, and communities. With First Nations people among the youngest and fastest-growing populations in Canada, investing in their success means investing in Canada’s success.

Budget 2024 proposes new investments in First Nations’ kindergarten to grade 12 education programming and infrastructure, including:

First Nation K-12 Education

• $649.4 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to improve elementary and secondary education on reserve, and ensure funding formulas meet the needs of growing communities;
• $545.1 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, for K-12 infrastructure to build and renovate safe and healthy learning environments for First Nations students.

First Nation Post-Secondary Education

Unlocking pathways to post-secondary education is critical to ensuring that Indigenous students have opportunities to succeed and contribute at their full potential. In 2021, 45 per cent of First Nations people aged 25-64 had attained a post-secondary credential, in comparison to 68 per cent of non-Indigenous Canadians. Supporting the next generation of First Nations university, college, and post-secondary students will help build a brighter future for Indigenous communities and a Canada where everyone has a fair chance at success.

Budget 2024 proposes to increase support for First Nations post-secondary
students:

• $242.7 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to increase access to post-secondary education for First Nations students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.

The federal government will continue to support Inuit and Métis postsecondary education through their Post-Secondary Education Strategies funded in Budget 2019 which invested $487.5 million over ten years, and $61.8 million ongoing.