Photo courtesy @Lisa ThompsonMPP/Twitter
The province is releasing a new First Nations, Metis and Inuit studies curriculum amid some criticism from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
The curriculum is comprised of ten courses to be delivered at the high school level.
“We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are present in Ontario’s curriculum,” says Thompson, Minister of Education. “We look forward to continuing strong partnerships with Indigenous leaders and the community, and this represents an important step in our ongoing collaboration.”
The Ministry says the curriculum is the result of collaboration with Indigenous teachers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Métis Senators, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community representatives, residential school survivors, Indigenous partners, and other education stakeholders.
However, the program won’t be mandatory for students.
Nishnawbe-Aski Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is disappointed.
“Even the absence of some of the language we want to hear. Specifically, truth and reconciliation not something vague like aboriginal perspectives which is throughout their documents that we saw today,” says Fiddler.
Thompson says she’s willing to continue consulting with Indigenous leaders about the curriculum.
“We do have ongoing discussions, and we will continue to have, and we will keep this discussion going. I want to stand beside our communities and our chiefs,” says Thompson.
The NAN Grand Chief told us he only saw the new curriculum’s cover briefly once the Minister announced it Tuesday.
