Representatives from from eight participating nations of the First Nations with Schools Collective (FNWSC) gathered for three days in April to collaborate on the future of education in their communities.
The 2023 FNWSC Education Summit was a historic undertaking of Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee nations working autonomously in a collective manner towards control over their own distinct education systems.
FNWSC asked each nation to invite their chiefs, members of council, education directors, elders and community liaisons to the event, which included a number of presentations and working groups. Chiefs in attendance on the third day signed the FNWSC One Mind Renewal agreement, signifying their ongoing commitment to the work of the collective.
The purpose of the summit was to provide space for cross-community conversations around jurisdiction and education system priorities. Many of those discussions were held and documented throughout the three days. Two youth from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation also attended and participated in the conversations and working groups.