TORONTO, Ont. Students in Ontario classrooms will have an opportunity to learn about First Nation, Metis, and Inuit perspectives from an earlier age as the province moves to expand Indigenous content in elementary school curriculums.
Minister of Education Stephe Lecce, along with Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford, were joined by Traditional Knowledge Keeper Vivian Roy, James Marsden, Chiefs of Ontario Education Portfolio Holder and Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief, and Joanne Meyer, Chief Operating Officer of the Métis Nation of Ontario to make the announcement on Wednesday.
Changes to the curriculum include mandatory Indigenous-focused learning to social studies in Grades 1 to 3, which will include topics on family and resilience in First Nation, Metis, and Inuit communities, historical and contemporary realities, Indigenous people’s connection to the land, and the residential school system.
“We are committed to recognizing the contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities and nations to our province and country while learning their histories and cultures,” Lecce said.
“Including Indigenous content and voices in Ontario’s curriculum – along with mandatory learning on residential schools – is a meaningful way that we can address issues of racism, Indigenous student well-being and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We are also investing more to support Indigenous students, with the aim of boosting graduation rates and enabling economic opportunity for the next generation of Indigenous students.”
The curriculum will be implemented by September 2023 and was developed in consultation with Indigenous partners and leaders.
Lecce said it is meant to address gaps in earlier grades regarding learning about Indigenous history and issues. Introduced in 2018, the province’s curriculum includes mandatory learning in social studies in Grades 4 to 6 and History in Grades 7, 8, and 10, with mandatory learning on residential schools in Grades 8 and 10.
The province is also investing $23.96 million for supports to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students, as well as $3.19 million over three years to strengthen partnerships with Chiefs of Ontario and First Nation Provincial Territorial Organizations in support of reconciliation and student success.
“We are investing in culturally appropriate learning for Indigenous students and enhancing opportunities for all learners to increase their knowledge of First Nation, Inuit and Métis histories and cultures to help all Ontarians gain a better understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives,” Rickford said.
“Our government continues to work in collaboration with Indigenous partners to co-develop this curriculum to ensure Indigenous voices are at the centre of this important work.”
