Submitted
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation are alarmed that graduation rates for First Nations students remains significantly lower than the graduation rates of non-First Nations students.
“First Nations students continue to face barriers and obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential in school,” said FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt. “Government has to step up to the plate and ensure the proper support systems are in place to increase First Nations graduation rates. Our children are our most precious resource and they deserve better.”
Recent data from Saskatchewan Education shows the 2019 three-year graduation rate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students dropped to 43.4 percent from 44.5 percent; whereas the overall three-year graduation rate sits at 77.3 percent, down from 77.4 percent. The five-year grad rate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students showed a minimal increase from 59.4 percent to 61 percent; compared to an overall five-year graduation rate of 84.7 percent.
“Government has committed to improving graduation rates for Indigenous students, but the plan isn’t working,” said Patrick Maze, President of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. “It is unacceptable that the education gap remains so large. It’s time to do more.”
