Blake Ellis/Local Journalism Initiative

Roberta Northmore says Indigenous communities with students attending public schools in Lambton-Kent should not have to pay for transportation to get to class.

The vice chair of the Lambton-Kent District School Board raised this issue during the March 31 meeting.
Director of Education Gary Girardi and Associate Director Brian McKay made a presentation at the Indigenous liaison committee meeting in November where they explained First Nation students living on reserve as designated as fee paying students that are federally funded. Under the Education Act, they are considered “other pupils of the board.”

First Nation payment of fees to a school board falls under either an education services agreement or reciprocal education agreement. Under these agreements, transportation costs are not included as a part of the tuition fee.

Northmore called for changes to be made to the Education Act to consider First Nation students as pupils of the board. This will allow First Nation students to have access to transportation.

“These changes to the Education Act are progressive steps toward dismantling barriers that have historically limited access to quality education for First Nation students,” said Northmore.

A letter will be sent to the transportation department at the ministry of education, with it also to being forwarded to Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, the Chiefs of Ontario as well as the four First Nation chiefs within Lambton Kent.

Trustee David Shortt asked if the call to action could have an impact provincially. Girardi said trustees are advocating on behalf of the board, but potentially this could affects the entire province.

“It never hurts us to lead to a good initiative,” said Shortt.