Local Education Agreement
Comox Valley Schools completed the successful signing of the Local Education Agreement (LEA) with the K’omok’s First Nation on August 31, 2022.
A district team worked closely with the Nation to forge a new document that will be in place for the next 5 years.
Relevant Documents:
Spirit of the Local Education Agreement between K’o ́moks First Nation
The primary purpose of the Local Education Agreement (LEA) is to establish a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between Comox Valley Schools and K’o ́moks First Nation. Through this agreement, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that recognizes and values Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. The LEA serves as a framework for collaboration, guiding our efforts to improve educational outcomes for K’o ́moks First Nation students by addressing their unique needs and aspirations.
Goals:
The K’o ́moks First Nation and Comox Valley Schools aim to establish a collaborative and respectful partnership. Their goal is to offer K’o ́moks students a culturally relevant, safe, and nurturing educational environment. This partnership emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting the cultural diversity of K’o ́moks identity, particularly through Kwakwaka’wakw and Salish traditions and languages. The overarching objective is to ensure high educational success rates for K’o ́moks students, in line with the principles of the Local Education Agreement (LEA).
What is a Local Education Agreement?
This LEA is a vital framework that outlines the collaborative partnership between Comox Valley Schools and K’o ́moks First Nation, fostering a commitment to the educational success and cultural well-being of K’o ́moks First Nation students. This agreement is a testament to our dedication to reconciliation, respect for Indigenous rights, and the shared goal of providing quality education for all students.
Local Education Agreements (LEAs) have been a part of the educational landscape of British Columbia since 1989. Over the past two decades First Nations communities and school districts have had a variety of experiences with LEAs. These agreements represent an important opportunity to build more productive and respectful relationships between First Nations and school districts, ultimately contributing to the creation of school environments where First Nations students can thrive.
Guiding Principles
- The education of K’o ́moks Students is a collective responsibility involving students, parents, family, community, school, and the district.
- Continuous and open communication between all stakeholders is vital for K’o ́moks Students’ success.
- Success requires effective policies, practices, growth plans, curriculum, instruction, and adherence to this LEA. This includes:
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- Implementing practices for student achievement.
- Ensuring understanding of K’o ́moks cultural values by school staff.
- Strong relationships and communication between K’o ́moks and the District, including school staff, are crucial for positive student outcomes.
Staffing Action Plan and Success Advisor
Staffing Action Plan and Success Advisor
One of the key highlights of the document is the establishment of a new position called the K’omok’s Success Advisor, paid for through SD71 Operational funding.
This is a teaching position dedicated to improving the success rates of K’omok’s students and working closely with K’omok’s families and the school district to increase educational opportunities and track the success rates for all K’omok’s First Nation students.
In November 2022, Natasha Rainkie was hired and is now working with students and families. See Natasha’s Bio here.
KFN Education Coordinator
Supports for Students and Families
Localized Curriculum
LEA Meeting Minutes
