Elementary and Secondary education
Learn about Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) role in elementary and secondary First Nations education, as well as funding programs available to support students and educators.
Updates
National School Food Program
The Government of Canada recognizes that education should not be hindered by a lack of access to healthy and culturally relevant food. School food programs positively impact health and learning and help children to reach their full potential in the classroom, leading to an improved quality of life and stronger communities.
Budget 2024 announced $1 billion over 5 years to implement a National School Food Program, which includes $227 million over 5 years, $38 million in 2024 to 2025 that ISC will provide for First Nations students on reserve. First Nations will have the flexibility to use this funding as needed, based on their unique education-related priorities and in alignment with the local realities of the food systems of their communities.
Funding for free menstrual products
Funding for free access to menstrual products is being provided to First Nations and First Nations-designated education organizations on reserve. They determine how to get and distribute menstrual products to their students.
Information on this initiative is available through ISC regional offices.
Services and information
First Nations education transformation
Find out how the Government of Canada is committed to establishing a new partnership on First Nations elementary and secondary education.
Elementary and Secondary Education Program
This program provides eligible students ordinarily living on reserve with elementary and secondary education programs comparable to those in provincial schools.
High-Cost Special Needs Education Program
This program helps eligible First Nations students with high-cost special needs to access quality programs and services that are culturally sensitive and reflective of generally accepted provincial or territorial standards.
Innovation in Education Program
This program supports innovative programs and projects, which aim to improve outcomes for First Nations communities, schools and students.
Research and learning program
This program supports research projects that show the positive impacts of educational initiatives for First Nations students.
Education Partnerships Program
This proposal-based program is designed to advance First Nations student achievement in First Nations and provincial schools.
First Nations Enhanced Education Infrastructure Fund
Find out how ISC works with First Nations to provide financial and advisory assistance to First Nations in the development of education facilities.
Improving First Nations schools on reserve
Learn about new schools in First Nations communities since September 2016.
Policy and funding approach for First Nations elementary and secondary education
Learn about the background behind our funding and policy approach.