- What is Education Jurisdiction?Education Jurisdiction means that Cowichan Tribes will have control over their own education laws for our on-reserve schools, from kindergarten to grade 12. This change means that Quw’utsun Smun’eem Elementary, Quw’utsun Hu-Yi’xwule’, Yuthuy’thut will follow our Snuw’uy’lh and our Quw’utsun ways of knowing and being. We will have the ability to create our own law, regulations, policies and procedures that reflect the community values.
- How is this different from today?Currently, Hul’q’umi’num’ language and culture is at the centre of all we do at Cowichan Tribes’ schools. Students learn on the land, and our Sul-hween are integral in interweaving traditional ways and teachings throughout our curriculum.
With the Education Jurisdiction and our new law, we are looking forward to doing even more. As a member of the First Nation Education Authority we will certify and regulate our own teachers, enhance our own graduation requirements and create courses that best meet the needs of our students. - What is a ‘governance structure’ for education?An educational governance structure is a system that defines how schools are managed and operated. It includes the rules, policies, regulations and the people responsible for making decisions about education. This structure determines who has the authority to create and enforce education laws, how teachers are certified, what students need to graduate, and how schools are funded and run.
Currently Cowichan Tribes Kindergarten to grade 12 students fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Ministry of Education who set the overall policies, curriculum standards, create, enforces the BC Schools Act and regulations that schools must follow, including Cowichan Tribes. - Who and what is the First Nation Education Authority?First Nations that have approved jurisdiction for education on their First Nation lands are known as Participating First Nations. The First Nation Education Authority “FNEA” is an independent regulatory body that was created in 2022 to assist First Nations in developing their education jurisdiction capacity and exercise ongoing authority as delegated by the Participating First Nations.
Each Participating First Nation appoints two (2) representatives to sit on the FNEA. Cowichan Tribes has two (2) representatives on the FNEA. The purpose of the FNEA is to support Participating First Nations in providing education, develop teacher certification, graduation requirements and act as a regulatory body directed by Participating First Nations. - What will the education governance structure look like after Cowichan Tribes citizens vote to ratify the new education law?Under the new education law, Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum will become the Education Authority for K-12 education on reserve. The Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum Education Board will be appointed by Chief & Council and comprised of mostly Quw’utsun Mustimhuw who will oversee the vision laid out in the new education law.
As outlined in the law, Chief & Council will appoint the new Education Board ensuring the individuals hold the skill and knowledge to govern. The board will include Quw’utsun Mustimuhw who are fluent Hul’q’umi’num’ language speakers, Sul’hween, and Youth. The board will not include any member of Council, Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum Employees or Principals. - Who was involved in creating the new Education Law?After Cowichan Tribes community voted in favour of reclaiming jurisdiction over our education in 2022, an Education Jurisdiction Working Group was created with representatives from Chief & Council, the Education Executive Director, Director of Governance, Education Jurisdiction Manager, Education Jurisdiction Project Coordinator, Quw’utsun Smun’eem Elementary Principal and the Cowichan Tribes Chief Administrative Officer. Working with Woodward Law and the Sul-hween Committee, this Education Jurisdiction Working Group drafted the education law that will outline how we govern education for our K to Gr. 12 on-reserve schools.
- What do you need from me?Please become familiar with the new law. Ask questions. Share what you’ve learned with your family and when Chief & Council set the voting date to ratify the new law – please gather your family and VOTE on-line or in-person.
- What is ratification?Ratification means officially approving or agreeing to something. Ratification is the voting process to accept a new law. Once the law is ratified the law becomes official and the work begins of putting the law into action.
Cowichan Tribes
Education Jurisdiction
Education Jurisdiction
- Watch Our Law. Our Vote.
Your Vote, Our Future: Get Ready.
DETAILS COMING
'Uy' kwunus 'i lumnalu siiem nu siiyeyu
This is an exciting and monumental time in our history, shaping the future of Cowichan Tribes’ education. Here, you can access the latest information on our transformative journey to full educational jurisdiction. Learn about the proposed law, when, where, how to vote, and all the community engagements we’re hosting where you can ask questions to help you make an informed decision. Join us in learning more about this important step forward for our community!
Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum Lunch & Learns
Join the Education Jurisdiction team info sessions at Cowichan Tribes buildings during lunch breaks this month.
AUGUST 12, 2024 | 11:30am to 1:30pm
Info booth (Stsi’elh Stuhw tu Smun’eem Offices)
AUGUST 13, 2024 | 11:30am to 1:30pm
Lunch & Learn BBQ (Green Space)
AUGUST 15, 2024 | 11:30am to 1:30pm
Lunch & Learn with Fire Circle (Siem Lelum Gym)
AUGUST 16, 2024 | 11:30am to 1:30pm
Sul-hween Lunch (Sul-hween Building)
What our Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum Team Are Saying
Stephanie Atleo
What is this upcoming vote about?
Troy Elliott
What will this Law do for Education self governance?
Roxanne Harris
How will the new Law help preserve our language and culture?
Don Rempel
Under the new structure will there be an Education Board?
Doreen Pollner
How will Elders be involved in our new system?
Chief Cindy Daniels
How can I learn more and provide input on the Education Law?