If you look at the educational outcomes in New Brunswick, you will find severe gaps between the province’s largest First Nations and their neighboring communities. First Nations leaders are using these findings to push for increased federal funding for Indigenous education. The data comes from a report by Université de Moncton economist Pierre Marcel Desjardins, as reported by CBC News.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Desjardins analyzed employment, income, and educational achievement data for the Neqotkuk, Esgenoôpetitj, and Elsipogtog First Nations. He compared this information against the neighboring communities of Perth Andover, Neguac, and Rexton. The results show a stark contrast. Residents of the three First Nations hold less than half the share of university degrees compared to their neighbors. They also have a significantly higher number of people without high school diplomas.

“I was assuming that there were urban and rural differences,” Desjardins said. “I didn’t know and didn’t realise that there were such gaps compared to the neighbouring communities.”

Youth as a Strength

The demographic makeup of these communities adds urgency to the situation. People in the three First Nations are 10 years younger on average than the provincial population. They are more than 15 years younger than residents in neighboring towns. A younger population offers a massive opportunity for a province dealing with an aging workforce. Ivan Augustine, head of the Elsipogtog First Nation Education Authority, views this youth demographic as a major asset.

“It is a strength, if our community was adequately funded,” Augustine said.

The Legacy of Residential Schools

The educational challenges stem directly from historical trauma. Augustine notes that his school serves a higher number of high needs children than typical provincial schools. He connects this reality to the residential school system, which worked “to destroy the Mi’kmaq family.” The impacts of these policies extend into the present day.

“That’s what we see now,” he said.

The Push for Federal Funding

Current federal funding falls short. Augustine states the money Elsipogtog receives is “insufficient to meet the total needs of our kids.” The education authority relies on precarious specialized programs to fill the gaps. They are asking Indigenous Services Canada for reliable, needs based funding. The Three Nations Education Group Inc. commissioned the study to highlight this exact issue. Director Warren Tremblay says the research “emphasizes the level of need for new investments.”

Desjardins conducted a similar study in 2012 comparing francophone and anglophone communities. That research successfully pushed the provincial government to increase francophone education funding. First Nations leaders expect this new study to force a similar response from the federal government. Indigenous Services Canada confirms they are reviewing the study but refuse to comment on specific funding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which First Nations were included in the study?

The study analyzed data from the Neqotkuk, Esgenoôpetitj, and Elsipogtog First Nations.

What were the main findings of the report?

The report found that First Nations residents have less than half the share of university degrees compared to neighboring communities and a much higher rate of people without high school diplomas.

Why is the age demographic important?

The First Nations communities are on average 15 years younger than neighboring towns. This younger population represents a significant potential workforce for New Brunswick if they receive adequate educational funding.

What are First Nations leaders asking for?

Leaders are demanding long term, needs based federal funding from Indigenous Services Canada to support curriculum development, training, and cultural programming.