First Nations Memorandum of Understanding

On September 12, 2024, the First Nations Leadership Council (the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations) and the governments of British Columbia and Canada signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) on early learning and child care for First Nations in British Columbia.

This MOU is an important step on our reconciliation journey toward advancing early learning and child care determined by First Nations communities. It recognizes that First Nations families are best supported by ELCC programs designed and led by their communities, reflecting local cultures, languages, traditions and laws. Access to these programs strengthens cultural identity and provides a solid foundation for children.

The MOU affirms First Nations are distinct Peoples with rights to self-determination and self-government, including control over the design, delivery and administration of early learning and child care that meets their unique needs and priorities. When rooted in First Nations cultures, languages and traditions, child care transforms families and strengthens communities.

The MOU commits all parties to work together to improve outcomes for First Nations families. Our shared goals include:

• Co-developing a collaborative, rights-based, and distinctions-based approach to early learning and child care for First Nations in British Columbia
• Addressing systemic barriers that First Nations children and families face in accessing affordable, high-quality and culturally relevant early learning and child care programs
• Advancing early learning and child care that is First Nations-determined, accessible, affordable, high-quality and culturally grounded
• Supporting initiatives that advance First Nations’ early learning and child care priorities, ensuring equitable access for their children