ʔaq̓am Education Law Enacted, Affirming Self-Governance Rights

The ʔaq̓am Nation has officially enacted the ʔaq̓am Education Law, 2025, a significant development that asserts its right to self-governance in educational matters. This law was approved by the ʔiⱡwat̓naʔis ʔaq̓am (Council) on October 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the Nation and its commitment to culturally relevant learning.

This achievement reflects the community’s dedication to Ka kniⱡwi·tiyaⱡa (Our Thinking), the guiding strategic plan for education, language, and leadership. For years, community members have engaged in a collaborative process to shape the law, guided by the ʔaq̓am Education Law-Making Protocol. The initiative began in 2006 under the leadership of Bonnie Harvey, the Governance Manager, who played a crucial role in establishing the framework necessary for this new phase of self-governance.

Community involvement has been paramount in this process. Drafting sessions, member meetings, and feedback gatherings allowed Elders, youth, the k̓iʔtik ka·kin (Tipi Pole Holders), and members of the kitk̓i·kȼamnam (ʔaq̓am Education Committee) to contribute directly to the legal framework. This collaboration ensures that the law reflects the Nation’s vision for a robust, self-determined education system rooted in Ktunaxa values and cultural knowledge.

The enactment of the ʔaq̓am Education Law, 2025 aligns with both national and international frameworks that recognize Indigenous rights. According to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Ktunaxa people are entitled to autonomy and self-governance concerning their internal affairs, including their educational systems.

In 2022, ʔaq̓am and the Government of Canada signed the ʔaq̓am Education Jurisdiction Agreement, which acknowledged the Nation’s right to establish and control education on its lands. The following year, ʔaq̓am entered into an Education Co-Management Agreement with the First Nations Education Authority. This agreement enhances the Nation’s ability to manage teacher certification, school standards, graduation requirements, and course evaluations, reinforcing its capacity to provide education that honors Ktunaxa language, land, and culture.

A notable impact of these developments is the increasing number of ʔaq̓amnik̓ graduates returning to serve as teachers and educators. This trend exemplifies community leadership and the lasting benefits of Indigenous education and self-determination.

The enactment of the ʔaq̓am Education Law, 2025 is a significant advancement toward achieving the Nation’s goals in education, governance, and cultural preservation. With ongoing support from leadership, educators, and the community, the ʔaq̓amnik̓ School is poised to cultivate generations of learners grounded in Ktunaxa traditions and values.