FAQs

Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC) has partnered with MNP LLP to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. This process will identify areas of strength and improvement, resource gaps, and opportunities to strengthen education in Maskwacîs. The results will guide the development of a data-driven business case to support the renegotiation of MESC’s funding agreement with the Government of Canada

MESC's current funding agreement provided a major leap forward in equity, infrastructure, curriculum, and student support. However, challenges persist — including growing student needs, infrastructure aging, and inflationary pressures. The needs assessment will ensure future funding aligns with the real and evolving needs of our students and schools.

MESC was formed in 2018 through an agreement between the four Maskwacîs Nations — Ermineskin, Louis Bull, Montana, and Samson. Prior to this, each Nation operated its own school system, often with fragmented resources, inconsistent programs, and underfunding. Coming together allowed for shared services, consistent programming, and stronger outcomes.

Since amalgamation, MESC has:

• Increased overall funding for all schools in Maskwacîs

• Invested over $48.5 million in school infrastructure, technology, and safety

• Created land-based learning, Cree language, and Treaty curriculum

• Reduced achievement gaps and increased high school graduation rates

• Provided a cost-effective school nutrition program for all students

• Improved consistency of programming and supports across all schools in Maskwacîs 

• Increased access to resources and support for all students in MESC schools and their families 

• Increased staff salaries

• And more...

Your voice is essential. Our team will be sharing information and engaging with Maskwacîsak at the following events:   

• Kehtehyak Forum: June 25th - 26th, 2025, at Bear Park
• MESC Back to School Celebration: August 15th, 2025, at the Theresa C. Wildcat Early Learning Centre

MESC Engage is also a great place to get involved. The site includes the following tools:

Survey: Help us understand your experience and priorities by completing the needs assessment survey. Your answers will help shape data used in negotiations.

Ideas Tool: Share what you believe should be a priority in Maskwacîs education. From programming and supports to school climate and cultural integration — your ideas matter.

Stories Tool: Tell us about a time MESC made a difference for you, your child, or the community. These stories show how investments in education lead to real impact.

Your input will be summarized and analyzed by MNP and MESC to inform the renegotiation strategy and improve how programs and supports are delivered. It ensures that decisions are made based on real Maskwacîs needs and experiences.

• Nov 2024 – Feb 2025: Planning and preparation

• Apr 2025 – Nov 2025: Research and engagement (Including this needs assessment. Engagement timelines may be extended or adjusted based on response and capacity.)

• Oct 2026 – May 2027: Negotiation phase (Actual negotiation window may vary based on federal scheduling and preparatory requirements.)

• June 2027 – Jan 2028: Implementation of new agreement. (Implementation timelines will depend on when negotiations conclude.)

MNP LLP is a national consulting and accounting firm in Canada with experience supporting Indigenous Nations, organizations, and education systems. They are working alongside MESC to carry out the needs assessment, gather data from the community, and help develop a strong business case for funding negotiations with the Government of Canada.
Their role is to assist in collecting and analyzing input from leadership, staff, students, and families in a respectful and collaborative way.