b'An education agreement is a legally binding agreement between a First Nation and school board that details the provision of services, supports and programs to First Nations students attending school in a public school board, or a student from a school board attending a First Nations school.Each First Nation will make the decision to enter into education agreements based on their priorities, needs and goals, Lowen says. The Education Agreement Resources that have been developed can be excellent tools if and when First Nations develop or re-negotiate their education agreements. Education agreements can be an essential tool in the advocacy of First Nations student equity and cultural safety, and education agreements can ensure that First Nations students and communities have access to the supportSUPPORTING services they need.Lowen adds that the COO willINDIGENOUS continue to deliver resources that meet the needs of First Nations as changesCOMMUNITIESoccur in the education system.All of our resources will continue to evolve to keep up with any changes in the education system, he says. ThroughFor more than 20 years, Graham has proudly communication and engagement withworked alongside Indigenous communities First Nations, we will also expand ordeveloping meaningful relationships that share modify the tools to meet the needs our values of commitment for economic and of communities. community development, as well as contributing to education and training programs with Regional Chief Hare says OntarioIndigenous groups across Canada. schools have historically not been successful in providing equitable education services to FirstNations students.Through these agreements, First Nations and provincial school boards will be able to support the cultural connections, diversity and unique needs of First Nations students while promoting success for future generations, Hare says. Our goal is to ensure First Nations communities have the tools and information they need to improve the educational future of our young people.Patrik Lowen, Program Lead, and Karleigh Palmer, Education Policy Analyst, can be reached at patrik.lowen@coo.org or karleigh.palmer@coo.org for support or to answer inquiries regarding the Education Agreement Resources toolkit.I ssue2 2022/23C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 21'