Indigenous Studies in High School
By: Ming Yang
Maple syrup, canoes, snowshoes, and lacrosse are all symbols of Canada. However, as high school students, are we familiar with their origins? Learning about Indigenous history uncovers Canadian history. In recent years, provinces across Canada have revised their high school curriculums to incorporate more Indigenous Studies. More schools are offering courses on culture, language and history. While improvement is visible, there are also critiques regarding the way knowledge is passed on to the next generation.
To begin, it is beneficial to learn about Indigenous people’s culture, history and contribution regardless of the students’ ethnic backgrounds. For Indigenous students, learning about their own history secures their identity and helps them feel respected. With proper content, students can better gain knowledge from their ancestors and take pride in their background. For non-Indigenous students, they can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the country’s history and learn from past mistakes. By respecting other cultures, they are able to see the inequality between different communities and contribute to solving this issue. Empathy and appreciation get rooted in both parties.
Next, as the government starts to realize the importance of Indigenous Studies, more learning opportunities are offered in high school. For example, the new Ontario curriculum developed in 2019 is designed to “give students up-to-date learning about Indigenous perspectives, cultures, contributions and contemporary realities in areas such as art, literature, law, humanities, politics and history,” according to Education Minister Lisa Thompson (CBC). Ten related courses are offered, such as Current Aboriginal Issues in Canada, Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society and Aboriginal Governance: Emerging Directions. Communities respond to the change positively as Métis teacher Robitaille says, “ it’s a dream come true for me being able to share some of the personal aspects of my life with students in a way that is meaningful” (APTN National News). Similarly, New Brunswick, Quebec, and British Columbia also redesigned their syllabus to engage students with Indigenous Studies. For instance, New Brunswick plans to make Indigenous courses mandatory for high school students. Learners can expect to learn more about local groups soon.
However, while changes are happening, many people argue they are not enough.
There are two significant issues in the changes. First, while more opportunities are provided for students, they are not made mandatory. Indigenous leaders, such as Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, feel that their voice is ignored when courses are only offered as electives. Alvin Fiddler expresses his disappointment: “Learning about the colonial history of this country should not be optional” (CBC). Second, people find that teachers teaching Indigenous Studies may not have sufficient knowledge in the content themselves. Inaccurate generalizations are often made, and mispronunciation of names occurs frequently. More training is not only demanded but is necessary for cultivating proper knowledge.
In conclusion, uplifting progress is apparent while its effect is still limited. It is crucial for students to understand the importance of Indigenous Studies and take active roles in it. People are confident that reconciliation would come in the near future.
References:
Culbert, Lori. “B.C.’s New High School Curriculum: Genocide and Indigenous Studies, Drones and Mechatronics, More Projects, Fewer Exams.” Vancouversun, Vancouver Sun, 17 Sept. 2019, https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/the-abcs-of-b-c-s-changing-high-school-curriculum-assessments-bxxx-and-new-courses.
Education, Ministry of. “Indigenous Education in British Columbia.” Province of British Columbia, Province of British Columbia, 11 May 2021, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/indigenous-education.
Francis, Annette. “Indigenous Studies Now Mandatory in Southern Ontario Schools.” APTN News, 2 Oct. 2019, https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/indigenous-studies-now-mandatory-in-southern-ontario-schools/.
Government of New Brunswick, Canada. “Curriculum Development (Anglophone Sector).” Government of New Brunswick, Canada, 15 Oct. 2021, https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/education/k12/content/anglophone_sector/curriculum_anglophone.html.
“Mandatory Indigenous Curriculum Part of N.B.’s 10-Year Education Plan | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 1 Mar. 2017, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/indigenous-curriculum-changes-2017-1.3998217.
“Meaningful Education on Indigenous Peoples and Cultures Must Start at Schools.” The Varsity, 17 Mar. 2019, https://thevarsity.ca/2019/03/16/meaningful-education-on-indigenous-peoples-and-cultures-must-start-at-schools/.
“Revised Quebec Curriculum Includes More Indigenous History. Does It Go Far Enough? | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 16 Mar. 2017, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-history-curriculum-indigenous-1.4022475.
“‘Very Troublesome’ That Indigenous High School Courses Won’t Be Mandatory, Ontario First Nations Leaders Say | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 22 May 2019, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/indigenous-courses-ontario-curriculum-mandatory-1.5145751.
