About the Ontario Bilateral Education and Learning Table (OBELT)

The Ontario Bilateral Education and Learning Table (OBELT) was established to create a dedicated space for discussions between First Nations in Ontario and Indigenous Services Canada on education and lifelong learning priority areas. OBELT aims to advance holistic, community-driven approaches to education that respect First Nations’ jurisdiction, priorities, and needs.

Background

In November 2020, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) withdrew Ontario’s participation from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) and the AFN National Indian Education Council (NIEC). This decision stemmed from concerns over the lack of consideration for the specific funding needs of First Nations in Ontario and a flawed decision-making process at the national level.

Following this withdrawal, in February 2021, COO Resolution 21/07 mandated the Chiefs and Technical Committee on Language and Learning (CTCLL) to develop recommendations for a bilateral education process with ISC that supports holistic lifelong learning approaches. This led to the establishment of OBELT as a platform for direct engagement between Ontario First Nations and ISC.

Terms of Reference and Key Resolutions

  1. Link to ToR (to be added once approved)
  2. February 2021: Resolution 21/07 initiated the development of a bilateral education process.
  3. November 2023: Resolution 23/15S approved the proposed approach for OBELT.
  4. February 2024: Resolution 24-07A confirmed the continuation of COO’s withdrawal from AFN Committees on Education, reinforcing the commitment to the bilateral process through OBELT.

Structure and Operations

OBELT consists of representatives from the Chiefs and Technical Committee on Language and Learning (CTCLL), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Ontario region, and ISC Headquarters.

The representatives meet monthly to discuss and advance federal education policies, programs, funding, and initiatives that support First Nations education in Ontario.

OBELT remains committed to ensuring that First Nations in Ontario have a strong, unified voice in shaping education policies and funding structures. Through ongoing engagement and advocacy, the table continues to work towards meaningful, systemic change that upholds First Nations’ rights and self-determined educational approaches. Currently there are six priority areas.

OBELT Priority Areas

The EPP has three distinct proposal-based funding components: Partnerships, Structural Readiness, and Regional Education Agreement Development. Applications and proposals are selected on a yearly basis, with final reporting required each fiscal year.

  • Partnerships supports First Nations education administration and service delivery organizations to deliver targeted activities related to existing partnerships and/or address some of their governance and administration costs.
  • Structural Readiness supports targeted activities that build the capacity of First Nations education administration organizations.
  • Regional Education Agreement Development funding supports First Nations in exploring the interim funding formula and the pursuit of a Regional Education Agreement either within the formula or through a needs based REA.

Currently, the EPP program is oversubscribed, and significantly underfunded.  In addition, the program does not adequately support the growth of advanced partnerships that First Nations have developed over years of work and provide valuable supports to First Nation learners. The work of OBELT will support the transformation of the EPP program ensure it supports the needs of First Nations and to advocate for increased funding.

Click on the link for more details on EPP

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033760/1543408975080

COO advocates for increased funding to expand access to post-secondary education for First Nation learners, provide adequate administrative funding to First Nations supporting PSE students and for core-funding for Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes.

More details can be found on the COO PSE priority page.

The Federal Budget 2021 announced $350 million over 5 years to expand access to adult education by supporting First Nations people on reserve who wish to complete their high school/secondary education and/or up-grading.

COO is advocating for the continuation and expansion of adult education funding. Key concerns include eligibility criteria for students over 21, differences in funding for part-time versus full-time students, and data reporting requirements. A Treasury Board submission is being prepared for Budget 2026 to secure additional funding.

Resolution 23-12A supports Adult Education Startup and Expansion Funding.

Refer to K-12 Priority Page

OBELT works to strengthen First Nations’ governance in education by advocating for policy reforms, increased funding, and co-developed education frameworks that reflect First Nations’ rights and self-determined education approaches. This includes advocacy for core-funding to PTO’s and Tribal Councils for education coordination and supports that they provide to their member Nations.