The Government of Yukon is committed to working with federal and territorial counterparts to promote access to Indigenous knowledge and improve our education system overall. On July 10, 2023, Minister Jeanie McLean represented the Yukon at the 111th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) in Saskatoon, chaired by Saskatchewan’s Minister of Advanced Education and Chair of CMEC Gordon Wyant, K.C.
One notable outcome of the meeting was the approval of the CMEC 2023-27 Indigenous Education Plan. This plan plays a vital role in promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge within Canadian education systems, serving as a platform for meaningful dialogue. The ministers of education further engaged in fruitful discussions, exchanging valuable insights regarding successful policy changes and practices implemented in their provinces and territories.
Minister McLean highlighted the innovative work of the First Nation School Board (FNSB) in the Yukon, which recently celebrated its first year of operations. The board will oversee one-third of the schools in Yukon by the beginning of the new school year.
The ministers engaged in a detailed conversation on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. Minister McLean shared the Yukon's own experiences with technological modernization in classrooms and reinforced the need for collaboration across provinces and territories in leveraging technology to enhance learning.
Minister McLean underscored the importance of mental health and well-being in schools and highlighted initiatives under Reimagining Inclusive and Special Education (RISE), including Ready-to-Learn Schools. She also shared progress on the department’s work to enhance student safety by building on the work completed under the Safer Schools Action Plan.
At the meeting's conclusion, the ministers approved the CMEC Strategic Plan for 2023-27 This plan recognizes the provinces’ and territories’ exclusive jurisdiction over education, and will also enable provincial and territorial governments to cooperate on various issues according to their respective priorities.
I feel privileged to have represented the Yukon at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) meeting, where I had the chance to share our approach to decolonizing the territory’s education system and promoting mental health and well-being in our schools. I look forward to working towards the implementation of the CMEC Indigenous Education Plan and the CMEC Strategic Plan, which will strengthen work that is underway and contribute to better outcomes for Yukon learners.
Minister Jeanie McLean
For more than 50 years, the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) has served as a crucial forum for strategic discussions and collaborative efforts toward pan-Canadian initiatives.
The CMEC Strategic Plan (2023-27) is based on a shared vision that sees education as a key driver of social and economic development.
The Yukon’s First Nation School Board, where education is overseen and operated by Yukon First Nations within the existing public school system, is a unique model in Canada. Supporting initiatives like the First Nation School Board reflects the Government of Yukon’s commitment to fostering Indigenous education and reconciliation.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Department of Education
Government of Yukon
michael.edwards@yukon.ca