Saskatchewan Teachers Federation and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations call for immediate investment in education. (Brent Bosker/650 CKOM)

By CKOM News

Concerns raised about Indigenous graduation rates

Nov 1, 2019 | 2:30 PM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) are calling for more support to increase Indigenous high school graduation rates.

STF President Patrick Maze said graduation rates dipped one per cent in the last year for Indigenous students. Maze said it’s the first time the rate has dropped since 2012, which he blames on chronic underfunding.

“At some point we have to say this starving (of) the education system is hurting our students,” Maze said.

The graduation rate is already much lower compared to non-Indigenous kids.

The FSIN shares those concerns. Vice Chief David Pratt calls it a step backwards and agreed underfunding is the problem.

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“Stop looking at education as an expense on the balance sheet, but look at it as an investment in our children’s future,” said Pratt.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said while the province says it is committed to improving rates, it has fallen short on that promise.

“We want to see in writing that there’s going to be an immediate investment in the education system to all people of Saskatchewan,” Cameron said.