Times-Chronicle Staff
A recent announcement by the province, part of its commitment to truth and reconciliation, is seeing School District No. 53 offer an online survey on the upcoming Indigenous-focused graduation requirements for all students.
The proposed outcome for this new initiative is the creation of Indigenous-themed courses. In the 2023/24 school year, it will become mandatory for secondary students to choose from a selection of newly developed courses, based on Indigenous culture.
The survey provides the opportunity for feedback on which courses might be included to meet the new requirement as well as what resources and information students, families, and schools will need moving forward.
Indigenous people of all nations and non-Indigenous people are welcome to provide input. Whether a student, parent, caregiver, classroom teacher, school board staff or member of the public, anyone can participate.
The survey will stay open until April 22. Visit online feedback form
After the survey closes, feedback will be compiled by an independent research firm and made into a report titled ‘What We Heard’ and presented to the Ministry of Education in August.
Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside said they are working cooperatively with Indigenous Peoples across the province to address the knowledge gaps in the K-12 curriculum and to deepen students’ understanding of Indigenous experiences, cultures and histories.
Under the proposed new model, students who are currently in Grade 10 would be the first group to complete this new requirement, starting in September 2023.
