About the Anishinabek Education System
The Anishinabek Education System (AES) is a unique and culturally-driven education system that was developed by the Anishinabek, for the Anishinabek. The AES is comprised of 23 Participating First Nations (PFNs), Local Education Authorities, four Regional Education Councils (RECs), and the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB).
The KEB is the central administrative structure for the Anishinabek Education System. As its primary mandate, the KEB ensures the transfer of education funding to the PFNs, each of which has law-making authority and power over education from junior kindergarten to grade 12, on reserve. The KEB also administrates the implementation of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement with Canada, and the Master Education Agreement with Ontario. This includes supporting the priorities of the Regional Education Councils and managing education relationships with AES stakeholders. The KEB takes direction from the PFNs and supports the communities in their delivery of education programs and services.
Balance and Harmony
Aaniish Naa Gegii? (How are you?)
Since September 2019, the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) has been supporting the pilot implementation of the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Wellbeing Measure (ACHWM), in five AES schools.
The ACHWM is a unique survey tool that was developed in Wiikwemkoong, with the partnership of Laurentian University. Designed for students aged 8-18 years, the survey provides a culturally-appropriate and child-friendly way to gather data on the status of Indigenous children’s health and well-being.
The tool was given a name by the children in Wiikwemkoong, who call it Aaniish Naa Gegii, meaning how are you? Aaniish Naa Gegii considers the holistic well-being of students, and is based on the values and teachings of the Medicine Wheel.
At each of the AES pilot sites, the information gathered from Aaniish Naa Gegii will inform program and service planning in the communities, and better support children’s health needs.