Toronto school board makes Indigenous course mandatory for Grade 11 English credit – Dawson Creek Mirror

TORONTO — Canada’s largest school board will make a course on Indigenous texts its compulsory Grade 11 English credit in a bid to ensure students graduate with a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and history.

Trustees with the Toronto District School Board voted Wednesday to replace its current mandatory Grade 11 course with one titled Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices.

“Indigenous Elders and scholars have reminded us that truth must come before reconciliation, yet the TDSB and the Ontario education system have no mechanism yet for ensuring that all students learn the truth about Indigenous brilliance, contributions, history, and learn from contemporary Indigenous voices in Canada,” Colleen Russell-Rawlins, the board’s education director, said in a statement.

“This is an exciting opportunity to ensure our students graduate with a greater understanding of Indigenous cultures and history than their parents/caregivers.”