Assembly of First Nations seeks $19 billion over 20 years for Indigenous schools infrastructure
The AFN released an assessment Thursday showing more than 225 federally-funded First Nations schools are overcrowded, with 9 new schools needed immediately in Alberta alone.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Assembly of First Nations released an assessment Thursday requesting at least $19 billion over 20 years—including $550 million in working capital annually—to address a critical infrastructure crisis in federally-funded Indigenous schools across Canada.
The report found more than 225 First Nations schools are overcrowded according to Canada's School Space Accommodation Standards, an increase of 25 since 2021. A total of 77 schools need replacement due to infrastructure concerns. In Alberta, 9 schools are needed immediately and 3 more over the next five years. The AFN is requesting $567 million for Alberta schools and $124 million for teacher housing in the province.
The federal government has provided $2 billion to First Nations schools since 2016—an amount the AFN considers inadequate. The current request represents nearly a $7 billion increase from the AFN's 2021 funding projection, driven by higher construction costs, inflation, population growth, and competition for labour. Of the $19 billion total, more than $4.7 billion is needed immediately.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said at a conference in Calgary that teacher housing is essential to recruitment and retention. "This report shines a light on the essential connection between adequate teacher housing and the ability to recruit and retain qualified educators, and this hits home because I know growing up on reserve, we didn't have a lot in our schools," Nepinak said. The lack of teacher housing has created a revolving door for educators and instability in the education system. Housing on First Nations is regulated by the Indian Act and requires a permit from Indigenous Services Canada.
The AFN also assessed that operational funding is between 40 and 60 per cent less than required, depending on the community. In 2024, the federal government allocated $545.1 million for capital projects related to education in Indigenous communities—funding for 23 capital projects.
Indigenous Services Canada said it "welcomes the AFN report and its contribution to discussion of First Nations infrastructure needs" and remains committed to working with Indigenous partners. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with First Nations leaders more than one month after the report's release.
How will the federal government respond to the AFN's funding request ahead of Prime Minister Carney's meeting with First Nations leaders?
What specific Alberta school construction projects does the $567 million allocation for the province cover?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much funding is the Assembly of First Nations requesting for Indigenous schools?
The Assembly of First Nations is requesting at least $19 billion over 20 years, including $550 million in working capital annually, to address infrastructure needs in federally-funded Indigenous schools across Canada.
How many First Nations schools are overcrowded?
More than 225 First Nations schools are overcrowded according to Canada's School Space Accommodation Standards, representing an increase of 25 schools since 2021.
How much has the federal government spent on First Nations schools since 2016?
The federal government has provided $2 billion to First Nations schools since 2016, which the Assembly of First Nations considers inadequate for addressing the infrastructure crisis.
How much of the requested funding is needed immediately?
More than $4.7 billion of the $19 billion total is needed immediately to address critical infrastructure concerns in First Nations schools.
