The Kinoomaadziwin Education Body will be housed within Nipissing First Nation territory after NFN won a bid. The KEB was incorporated in January 2011 as a not-for-profit corporation owned and controlled by Anishinabek First Nations. The Grand Council of the Anishinabek Nation directed the KEB Board of Directors to oversee the establishment of the Anishinabek Education System in June 2012. Chief Scott McLeod says this is a significant milestone for their nation and for the future of education services across the Anishinabek territory. McLeod says the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body will help First Nations build capacity, deliver services and realize their vision to implement self-determination of education.
Anishinabek First Nations have been working towards the creation of the Anishinabek Education System for over 20 years. Space will now be provided within an existing facility for three to five staff members initially until construction of a dedicated building is completed in the fall of next year. A release states that it’s about First Nation control of First Nation education to ensure reliable funding from the federal government for educational programs and services for First Nations learners at all levels. That ranges from elementary to post-secondary, including special needs and adult education.
First Nations will make education laws for schools on reserve, and have full control over how to best allocate education funding under the AES. The KEB will act like a school board, setting up educational policies and guidelines, implement standards for diplomas and certificates, provide services to First Nations schools and handling relations with the provincial schools that Anishinaabe students attend.
