Beginning in 2023-2024, all students in York Region District School Board will take Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices as their required Grade 11 English credit.
The course is already being offered as an option or replacement for Grade 11 English at many secondary schools in the board. It will be offered in all schools in 2022-2023, and will become the required Grade 11 English credit for all students in 2023-2024.
The course is designed to expand students’ understandings of Indigenous peoples, cultures and contemporary realities. Learning about the history, perspectives and cultures of Indigenous peoples, will help students better understand Canada’s past, present and potential for the future.
“We are excited to be making this important change,” said Heather Sears, Coordinating Superintendent of Education - Curriculum and Instructional Services and Continuing Education. “Students will continue to gain the important skills taught through Grade 11 English, while learning more about Indigenous perspectives, about Canada, the importance of truth and reconciliation and the relevance of treaty relationships.”
“The course is a natural extension of the grade 10 history course,” said Andrew McConnell, Coordinator of First Nations, Métis and Inuit education. “By using contemporary works, students will have a chance to see the diversity of experiences and ideas that modern Indigenous people bring to our communities today.”
Watch this video to learn more about the course and hear from students who have recently completed the course.