New Relationship
The Government of British Columbia is leading the nation in developing a New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal
people. Guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of First Nations rights and title, we are building a
stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people. By working together, we will bring tangible
social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people across the province and narrow the gap between Aboriginal people and other
British Columbians.
In November 2005, the Province, the Federal Government and the Leadership Council representing the First Nations of British Columbia
signed the Transformative Change Accord to: close the social and economic gap between First Nations and other British Columbians,
reconcile Aboriginal rights and title with those of the Crown, and establish a New Relationship based upon mutual respect
and recognition.
It is important for Aboriginal learners to participate in the post-secondary system and complete their studies on a level
comparable to non-Aboriginal learners. To support this work and contribute to a New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal
People, the Ministry will develop and fund initiatives for Aboriginal learners.
Last year, stakeholders were consulted regarding the proposed Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education Strategy. In response to
the consultation feedback and with the view to close the gap for Aboriginal learners, the Ministry will revise the Aboriginal
Post-Secondary Education Strategy. The objective of the strategy is to increase post-secondary participation and success rates
among Aboriginal learners.
The Ministry will work with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation on the Transformative Change Accord Implementation
Plan, Ministry of Education on Enhancement Agreements4, Ministry of Economic Development on Aboriginal trades training initiatives, and Ministry of Health on the Aboriginal Health
agenda.