From left, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick, Prince George school board chair Tim Bennett, secretary-treasurer Allan Reed and superintendent of schools Marilyn Marquis-Forster

Shelley, B.C. – The Prince George School District and the Lheidli T’enneh signed a five-year local education agreement this morning.

It will go into effect Sept. 1, 2017 and confirms the commitment both parties have towards First Nation student success.

“School District No. 57 is excited to be entering into this formalized relationship with the Lheidli T’enneh Band and is humbled by the trust being placed in us as educators,” said Superintendent Marilyn Marquis-Forster.

“A bright future for all citizens is built on the achievement of each and every learner within our schools. Educational success for First Nations children and youth is vital for individual learners, families, local First Nation communities and Canada as a whole.”

“Lheidli T’enneh sees this as a commitment to First Nations student achievement, strong literacy and numeracy, high graduation rates and a supportive educational environment which values Lheidli T’enneh language and culture,” said Chief Dominic Frederick.

He added the goal is to prevent their students from falling through the cracks.

“Instead of kicking kids out of school, we’re going to create a program that’s going to help them catch up to other students.”

Work on the agreement took place throughout the 2016-17 academic year and covers roughly 40 students.