February 22, 2022 — Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada
Schools are often the cornerstone of First Nations communities, offering students a safe place to learn and grow, and providing a gathering place for community events and cultural activities.
Working in partnership, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) are pleased to formally share the co-developed improvements to the School Space Accommodation Standards which came into effect in April 2021. These updates increase on-reserve school sizes and include space to support full-day kindergarten, language and culture rooms, knowledge keeper offices, counselling rooms, and outdoor learning spaces. First Nations will have greater flexibility to design new and renovated schools that can better accommodate students’ needs and reflect the unique culture and traditions of their communities.
The updated standards apply to all new schools and major renovation projects that are funded by Indigenous Services Canada. The existing funding allocation procedures (e.g., the First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan) and available level of funding will continue to apply for major capital school infrastructure projects and renovations. First Nations are encouraged to review their infrastructure needs, update their community-level First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan and submit it to their regional ISC office.