First Nation Lifelong Learning Table
The First Nation Lifelong Learning Table (FNLLT) aims to enable First Nations and the government of Ontario to build a stronger, collaborative working relationship based on inclusion and mutual respect.
The FNLLT works to improve communication and increase understanding, resulting in improved support for First Nation learners in the provincial education system.
Increased success and well-being for First Nation learners in both the provincially and federally funded education systems through a balanced, respectful, and collaborative relationship whereby collaborative work is planned, designed, implemented and regularly evaluated.
The First Nation Lifelong Learning Table (FNLLT) is a bilateral process between First Nations and the Ministry of Education established to explore ways to support and collaboratively improve educational opportunities and outcomes for First Nations learners. The FNLLT is designed to function as a relationship table through which representatives from the Ministry of Education and First Nations are able to share information and discuss key education priorities for First Nations students in Ontario.
The First Nation Lifelong Learning Table (FNLLT) is comprised of two circles: the Planning Circle and the Collaboration Circle
The purpose of the FNLLT Planning Circle is to bring together the COO Chiefs and Technical Committee on Languages and Learning (CTCLL) and the Assistant Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Education to:
- discuss opportunities to address recommendations from the Collaboration Circle
- ensure effective communication and engagement processes are followed between First Nations in Ontario and the Ministry of Education
- set shared priorities for further exploration, engagement and implementation of recommendations
- provide guidance and input to the Collaboration Circle
- respect the individual engagement and decision-making processes of each partner and provide recommendations on addressing shared priorities to the decision makers of the First Nations in Ontario and the Ministry of Education
- identify and discuss emerging issues and opportunities as they arise and determine options for how they can be addressed
The Planning Circle includes representation from the following entities:
- Chiefs of Ontario
- Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians
- Nishnawbe-Aski Nation
- Anishinabek Nation
- Grand Council Treaty #3
- Mushkegowuk Council
- Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
- Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
- Independent First Nations
- Other unaffiliated First Nations
- Knowledge Keepers
- Ministry of Education officials
- Observers
The Collaboration Circle brings together technical representation from the First
Nations in Ontario and the Ministry of Education to discuss the needs of First Nations in Ontario regarding the education of First Nations learners in the provincial educational system. The Collaboration Circle will:
- Engage with communities to seek information on and input into education priorities that impact First Nations students to inform the priority setting at the Planning Circle
- Develop recommendations and work plans that reflect action to be taken by the Collaboration Circle on shared priorities as identified by the
- Ensure effective communication, engagement and information sharing processes are followed between First Nations in Ontario and the Ministry of Education
- Provide work plan updates within their respective entity and to the Planning Circle
The Collaboration Circle includes the FNLLT Coordinators with representation from the following entities:
- Chiefs of Ontario
- Association of Iroquois & Allied Indians
- Nishnawbe-Aski Nation
- Anishinabek Nation
- Grand Council Treaty #3
- Mushkegowuk Council
- Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
- Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
- Independent First Nations
- Other unaffiliated First Nations
The Indigenous Education Office of the Ministry of Education will be the ongoing representatives from the Ministry of Education on the Collaboration Circle. Other areas of the Ministry will be invited to attend on an ad hoc basis, as the Circle discussions require their area of focus.
- The Collaboration and Planning Circles will work together in a cycle that shares information between the Circles to inform each other’s work
- The Collaboration Circle will share information with the Planning Circle about identified needs of First Nations and implementation and progress updates
- The Planning Circle will use this input to identify shared priorities and develop a shared work plan
- The Planning Circle will provide guidance on addressing the shared priorities to the Collaboration Circle to further inform their work
The First Nation Lifelong Learning Table (FNLLT) is not a decision-making body. The representatives at this table cannot make policy or financial commitments on behalf of the Minister of Education, Government of Ontario, Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Leadership Council or the Chiefs in Assembly. Each party will be responsible for undertaking their own due diligence in following internal approval processes.
- the First Nation representatives from COO's Chiefs and Technical Committee on Language and Learning (CTCLL) will process recommendations through the established internal process at COO. This includes consensus building through the CTCLL, which will then take recommendations to the COO Leadership Council and/or the Chiefs in Assembly for consensus building and collective decision making.
- the representatives from the Ministry of Education will process recommendations through the established internal process at the Ministry. This process may vary depending on the recommendation being provided. This may include, but is not limited to, seeking Minister's approval for any commitments on behalf of the Ministry and Cabinet approvals for any legislative recommendations.
| Patrik Lowen | Karleigh Palmer | Sarah MacLeod-Beaver |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Director of Education | Senior Policy Analyst | Education Policy Analyst |
| Patrik.Lowen@coo.org | Karleigh.Palmer@coo.org | Sarah.MacLeod-Beaver@coo.org |
