The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that First Nation students have access to the quality education they need to build a successful future for themselves and their communities. In 2008, the Government moved forward on this commitment by launching the Reforming First Nation Education Initiative, which set the foundation for long-term improvements in First Nation education on reserve. As part of this initiative, the Government introduced the First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP). This program was created to provide support to First Nations to develop school success plans, implement student learning assessments, and put in place performance measurement systems to monitor and report on school and student progress. All activities are focused on three priorities areas of literacy, numeracy, and student retention. Currently, more than 90 per cent of band-operated schools and students in Canada are supported by the FNSSP. In 2011-2012 alone, 35 First Nation recipient organizations participated in the program, representing 472 First Nation schools across Canada and implementing a multitude of innovative initiatives. These initiatives ranged from libraries and career fairs to professional development seminars and online learning systems. The Government of Canada has been working with First Nation partners across Canada to deliver tangible and lasting results for First Nation students through successful programs like the FNSSP. The following stories illustrate the early results of individual recipients of the FNSSP with the support of the program. Each story speaks to the contributions of educators, parents, school administrators and other community members. The information found in the stories was provided by the recipients and highlight the types of initiatives implemented, and the measurable results recorded, along with the positive effects that students, schools and communities have experienced.


What is the First Nation Student Success Program? The First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP) is a key component of the Reforming First Nation Education Initiative, which stems from Budget 2008. The program helps First Nation educators on reserve plan and make improvements in the three priority areas of literacy, numeracy and student retention. Through this proposal-driven program, participating schools develop success plans designed to increase efforts in the three priority areas. Structurally, the program is comprised of three complementary components similar to those of many provincial models: 1. School success plans are three-year strategies for improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills, and rates of retention. With a detailed success plan in place, educators are able to implement consistent and comprehensive initiatives. Specifically, the plan enables educators to determine the types of activities, timelines and targets that will lead their students to success, and to assess and revise their programs to achieve the best results.

2. Student learning assessments require all pupils to participate in provincial standardized tests. These tests help teachers identify areas for improvement. In so doing, the assessments also help educators develop specific initiatives and goals, and deliver more customized lessons and other learning programs to address their students’ needs. 3. On-going performance measurements to monitor the progress of students. FNSSP recipients are required to track a variety of indicators, including the literacy and numeracy test results of their students. These indicators ensure that the program is achieving the desired outcome. What is the First Nation Student Success Program? 3 The FNSSP values the firsthand experience of educators and provides the flexibility to create the types of programs that can bring about change in on reserve schools. Together, school success plans, student learning assessments and performance measurements help to give First Nation students the support they need to succeed. Since 2008, the Government has invested approximately $141 million in the FNSSP. This funding, along with the projects developed through the FNSSP, will help First Nation students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to succeed in the labour market.