Gakino’amaage’s Statement on the 2025 Federal Budget

Press Release

November 17, 2025

Canada is making bold investments in innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, and economic growth. These commitments signal a country preparing for the future. But for many students in northern and remote First Nations, these opportunities remain out of reach without strong, stable classrooms. Canada’s future depends on investing in the students who will lead us forward, and that work begins in First Nations schools today.

Across northern First Nations, many students began the school year without access to the full teaching team needed to support their learning. Vacancies led to combined classrooms and the suspension of programs, creating challenges that can ripple far beyond a single school year. These disruptions limit students’ ability to fully participate in the economic opportunities that Canada is working hard to build.

First Nations youth will play a central role in Canada’s future workforce and leadership. Indigenous communities comprise one of the fastest-growing populations of young people in the country, and supporting strong First Nations education systems is essential to ensuring these students are well-equipped to contribute to the country’s long-term economic strength.

Canada’s commitments in the 2025 federal budget to economic development, food security and housing are essential to learning. As First Nations education is funded federally, dedicated support for education systems and staffing stability is the next step in upholding longstanding responsibilities. Strong, fully staffed classrooms give students the high-quality education they deserve and prepare them to contribute to the future their Nations are building.

Without this foundational support, important questions remain. How can students access the full range of opportunities Canada is investing in if classrooms are not fully staffed? How can growing sectors, from trades to technology, draw on the full talent and potential of First Nations youth?

Gakino’amaage: Teach For Canada · 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400 · Toronto, Ontario · M5T 2C7

First Nations already hold the solutions. Through our shared work, we see approaches that reflect community direction and deliver strong results:

⦁ Community-led pathways to train and certify local educators

⦁ Incentives to encourage educators to work, and stay, in northern and remote communities
⦁ Improved mobility across provinces to place teachers where they are needed most
⦁ Supports for whole-school systems, including for administrators and education assistants

These approaches strengthen First Nations jurisdiction, honour community leadership and place students at the centre. Investing in classrooms is not only about staffing. Today’s students will play a role in the shared future of this country. A strong Canada begins with strong First Nations education.

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