For more than 20 years, the Anishinabek Nation and its member First Nations have worked together to establish the Anishinabek Education System (AES), founded on the inherent right of Anishinabek First Nations to govern and direct on-reserve education.
Through an agreement with Canada, the AES operates as an independent education system alongside federal and provincial systems. The agreement provides stable, long-term funding and enables participating First Nations to exercise full control over the allocation of education resources according to their priorities and community needs.
The AES is made up of 24 Participating First Nations (PFNs), supported through Local Education Authorities, Regional Education Councils (RECs), and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB). Together, these interconnected structures support the governance, delivery, and continuous improvement of education programs and services for Anishinabek students.
The AES supports students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 by delivering high-quality educational programs and services grounded in Anishinabek values, culture, and language. Funding is also provided to support post-secondary education opportunities, helping learners achieve success throughout their educational journey.
Sustainable and Predictable Funding
The Anishinabek Education System is supported through a dedicated education funding agreement with the Government of Canada, providing secure and predictable funding for participating communities. This funding enables Participating First Nations to:
- Continue operating on-reserve schools.
- Maintain tuition agreements with local school boards.
- Deliver student-centred programs and services that incorporate Anishinaabe culture, language, history, knowledge, and values.
- Support post-secondary education opportunities, including university degrees, college diplomas, trades certificates, and professional licences.
- Address the needs of students requiring special education supports.
- Establish, administer, and operate the Anishinabek Education System.
- Develop curriculum, learning materials, and educational resources tailored to Anishinabek learners.
Protecting Future Investments
Participating First Nations will continue to benefit from future federal investments in First Nation education. There is a process to review future federal funding investments in First Nation education and include any new money as part of our education funding agreement.
In addition, Participating First Nations may supplement education funding using their own-source revenues without affecting their federal education funding. Federal contributions will not be reduced when a First Nation chooses to invest additional community resources into education.
Together, these measures ensure that the Anishinabek Education System remains community-driven, culturally grounded, and equipped to support student success from early learning through post-secondary education.