WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - March 18, 2013) - The Government of Canada, Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations, as well as the Council of Yukon First Nations, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the educational success of First Nation students in the territory.

"Our Government is pleased to support a partnership that enables the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations to shape educational priorities and support better educational outcomes for First Nation youth in the Yukon,"said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. "This MOU will help ensure First Nation students in the Yukon public education system have access to the quality education they need to build a successful future for themselves and their communities."

The agreement focuses on sharing experiences, exchanging information and collaborating to support First Nation students. It also enables collaboration on a joint action plan to increase the academic success of Yukon First Nation students.

In Yukon, all First Nation students attend elementary and secondary schools administered by the Government of Yukon under the Yukon Education Act within a public education system. First Nation students across all 14 Yukon First Nation communities could benefit from the signing of this MOU.

"Yukon First Nations are a key partner in providing all Yukon students with exciting and meaningful programming," said the Honourable Scott Kent, Yukon Minister of Education. "This currently includes a range of experiential options, as well as the local development of 20 percent of each school's curriculum. We are listening to and working with our First Nation partners to increase success in the classroom and this new action plan will place added focus on our continuing collaborative work."

"Over the past several years we have learned a lot about the need for change to encourage academic success for First Nation students," said Ruth Massie, Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations. "The Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment from all parties, to begin the dialogue and action for 'change'. I look forward to working together to make strides in a positive journey forward; for our students."

The MOU will help to launch a long-term strategic plan for a First Nation student's life-long learning process focusing on the Kindergarten to Grade 12 system. It also recognizes all aspects of life-long learning, and calls for initiatives to recognize the diversity of Yukon First Nation peoples, while taking into account the need for culturally-appropriate education.

The MOU recognizes the importance of engagement and input from all Yukon education stakeholders. Together, these factors will result in long-term improvements in the experiences of First Nation students.

While the Government of Canada does not have a direct role in education in the territory, it supports collaboration that will directly benefit First Nation students and help ensure their future success.

The Harper Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.

Yukon Memorandum of Understanding

Backgrounder: Tripartite Agreement on Yukon First Nation Education

This release is also available on the Internet at www.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca.

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