One band manager described literacy as a huge issue for the band. Their council supports the band’s Adult Learning School and their Alternate Program. The elders are committed to literacy training because they see that education is where the future is for aboriginal peoples and where self-government will come from.

Several First Nations programs that were considered successful have nonetheless been ended due to lack of funding. As a result, large numbers of First Nations peoples who have literacy problems and who do not do well in institutional, mixed learning programs are not being helped. These programming gaps need to be filled with peer tutoring programs, drop-in learning centers, and other strategies.

Throughout the province, some 35-90% of First Nations kids are in First Nations schools. In some regions, First Nations communities do not have a trusting relationship with the local School District or colleges. There is a need for better communication between them.

Collaboration between mainstream educational institutions and First Nations is complicated by the diversity of the latter. In some regions, for example, there may be several First Nations communities – not all of whom have close relations.

Programs need more funding and political support; greater cultural relevance; and onsite courses delivered by skilled and empathetic staff.

It’s important to integrate Metis and First Nations content by involving all stakeholders (educators, industry, and First Nations) in all planning stages. Past failures have been due to it being “someone else’s curriculum”.

First Nations need better orientation before entering apprenticeship because they have often had very negative experiences with school. They need a training program that is offered on the band site.

There’s a need for more aboriginal peoples on boards and advisory committees.

Bridging programs such as the Aboriginal Access Program and Forestry Access Program in Dawson Creek are described as being helpful. So also are land and resource management programs where aboriginal students can get work experience and scholarships along with access to curriculum that has First Nations content taught by First Nations teachers. However, there is a need for more First Nations teacher education programs.