Ontario Government Introduces First-Ever “First Nations Studies” High School Curriculum

Published May 23, 2019 at 1:39 pm

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The Ontario government has just launched a First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies Curriculum for students in Grade 9 to 12.

The government has announced that they will be funding school boards with $3.25 million to implement the plan.

According to the press release, the curriculum is comprised of 10 elective courses which will provide students with education on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture, contributions, history and contemporary realities. The curriculum will be implemented starting in September 2019.

“We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are present in Ontario’s curriculum. We look forward to continuing strong partnerships with Indigenous leaders and the community, and this represents an important step in our ongoing collaboration,” said Minister of Education Lisa Thompson in the press release.

Indigenous teachers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Métis Senators, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community representatives, residential school survivors, Indigenous partners, and other education stakeholders have collaborated on the curriculum.

The new curriculum is a part of Ontario’s new plan called Education that Works for You. According to the government, it is a plan that aims to modernize classrooms, empower educators and better prepare students.

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