A special agreement between the  Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Board of Education was signed on November 3rd at Cape Croker.

(L) Nawash Board Chair, Pam Keeshig & Bluewater Schoolboard Chair, Marg Galliver sign historic agreement as Nawash Chief Scott Lee and Bluewater Director, John Bryant look on

The Education Services Agreement outlines several items, including ensuring eligibility for enrolment of First Nation students at Bluewater schools, equal opportunity for First Nation students and First Nation representation on Bluewater advisory committees.

There is also an agreement that both partners collaborate to establish a Special Education Advisory Circle to support and advise all parties regarding students with special education needs.

“We are extremely proud of the partnership between the Bluewater and Chippewas of Nawash Boards of Education.  First Nation representation on our Board, advisory committees and within our classrooms reflects one of our core values of establishing reciprocal partnerships with business, industry, agencies and the community, in order to support learning for all students,” says Bluewater District School Board Chair, Marg Gaviller.

“Renewing the agreement between both Boards is vital for several reasons,"   says Director of Education John Bryant.  "We need to maintain a dialogue and collaboration with our partners, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, to better serve the education needs and promote student achievement in all our communities. The enrolment of First Nation students in Bluewater also fosters an inclusive and diverse cultural learning environment where everyone can benefit."