The provincial government is promising to better educate youth on the history of residential schools, and the contributions of Indigenous peoples.
While students are taught about the topic currently, many are arguing there needs to be more of a focus on the history of residential schools, especially after the harrowing grave site discoveries over the past month.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said Tuesday they are focusing on improving the curriculum, to better represent Canada’s history.
“It is quite obvious Canada must continue on in our obligation to reconciliation to Indigenous, First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people,” added Lecce. “We have more work to do in this respect, there’s just no doubt about it.”
Lecce goes on to explain that this is being done in collaboration with Indigenous leaders.
“We’ve been consulting and working with Indigenous Elders, to learn how we can further strengthen mandatory learning throughout the elementary panel, so that in the earlier years when we learn about their history and culture, we can have a better understanding of their contributions.”
Students in Ontario begin learning about the residential schools in the fourth grade, with education continuing up until the end of high school.
Lecce declined to comment when asked why the Truth and Reconciliation Writing Sessions were cancelled in 2018.
