Overview
Education Services Agreements (ESAs) are agreements between provincial school boards or public charter schools and First Nations, or the federal government on behalf of First Nations, that enable First Nations students living on-reserve to attend provincial schools. The Alberta government is not a party to ESA negotiations or agreements.
ESA standards
When negotiating or renewing an ESA, provincial school boards and public charter schools must, at minimum, address the items specified in the ESA standards set by the Alberta government. These standards are intended to:
- focus decision-making on students’ learning needs, culture, language, identity and circumstances;
- support collaboration and shared responsibility among education partners;
- set consistent minimum topics for ESAs; and
- strengthen accountability for First Nations students attending provincial schools.
ESA standards apply only to provincial school boards and public charter schools. First Nations are not required to adhere to the standards, though they are directly affected as parties to ESAs.
The standards apply to all new and renewed ESAs between a provincial school board or public charter school and a First Nation, a First Nations delegated authority or the federal government. Parties that are satisfied with their current ESAs are not required to renegotiate unless the terms of their agreements require it.
Development
ESA standards were developed from 2014 to 2022 with feedback from numerous partners, including First Nations, provincial school boards, the College of Alberta School Superintendents, the Alberta School Boards Association and the federal government. The government shared several drafts of the ESA standards with these partners and asked for their perspective on how the standards could be strengthened to benefit students.
The Alberta government reviewed the ESA standards in 2025. Feedback received during the review did not result in changes to the content of the standards.
Resources
These resources support school boards, public charter schools and First Nations implementing ESAs.
Contact
Connect with the First Nation Métis and Inuit Education Division:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-8501
Toll free by first dialing: 310-0000
Email: [email protected]