Mandatory Indigenous Education for Ontario Graduation

POLICY BRIEF

Issue

Note: The term Indigenous describes First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples collectively. It is recognized that Indigenous peoples in Ontario have distinct political organizations, urban agencies, economies, histories, cultures, languages, spiritual beliefs and territories.

Unlike British Columbia, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma does not require a compulsory credit for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, resulting in a missed opportunity for meaningful Indigenous Education in Ontario (BC Ministry of Education Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement).

Background

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Ontario Ministry of Education, in collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners, have recently enhanced grade 1-12 Indigenous Education curriculum content and courses. This enhanced curriculum works towards reconciliation by providing opportunities for all students to learn about Indigenous perspectives, cultures and contributions in areas such as art, literature, law, humanities, politics and history.

For Ontario to ensure that First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies courses are accessible to all students, we should look to the B.C. Ministry of Education’s recent mandate that requires that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies courses be compulsory credits for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

In 2023, People for Education reported that 32 out of 72 Ontario district school boards have voluntarily mandated the grade 11 English course, NBE3U: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices as a graduation requirement.

Increasing Indigenous education in schools allows for the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing while also offering a sense of community, empowerment and belonging to Indigenous students. The increased accessibility of both Indigenous curriculum and the hiring of Indigenous educators are essential in supporting both reconciliation and ensuring greater Indigenous student success.

Recommendations

For Ontario to ensure that First Nations, Métis and Inuit education is available to all students in all school boards, it is recommended that the Ontario Ministry of Education mandate that the Ontario grade 11 English course, NBE3U: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices at least one First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies course be a compulsory credit for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

To ensure successful implementation, the Ministry should work with Indigenous community partners and school district Indigenous Leads to facilitate and fund the hiring of Indigenous teachers, education assistants, Elders in Residence, and cultural coordinators. Creating and curating additional Indigenous-centered learning resources should be accomplished together with local First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners and educators and should center meaningful and sustainable local Indigenous community engagement (see Appendix B).

Next Steps

In accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Ontario’s education system should continue to move forward with the meaningful implementation of Indigenous Education enhancements.

Appendix A: Ontario Indigenous Education Initiatives

Indigenous Education in Ontario

Indigenous education leads: Every school board must have a full-time position dedicated to supporting Indigenous education in school boards. Leads work closely with senior board administration, including the superintendent responsible for Indigenous education, school board staff and Indigenous Education Councils.

Indigenous Education Councils (IECs): The IECs guide school boards and schools in building stronger relationships with communities, sharing information, identifying promising practices and enhancing collaborative work to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit student achievement and well-being.

Indigenous Graduation Coach Program: Some school boards have Indigenous graduation coaches to help Indigenous students obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and successfully transition into postsecondary education, training or labour market opportunities.

Partnerships

Anishinabek Education System Master Education Agreement, 2017

the transition of students between Anishinabek First Nations’ schools and schools in the provincially-funded education system
advancement of Anishinabek language and culture and the knowledge of Anishinabek First Nations’ histories, perspectives and contributions within Anishinabek First Nations’ schools and provincially funded schools
engagement and participation of students, parents, families and communities to realize the goal of improved student achievement and well-being

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), 2015

Improve educational outcomes for Métis students in the province.
The memorandum supports collaborative relationships between Métis communities, school boards and education partners. This includes recognizing and preserving the distinct history, identity and culture of the Métis people and their contributions to Ontario.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Canada and Ontario signed a historic MOU (PDF, 158 Kb) on First Nation education 2013

Improve educational outcomes for First Nation students in First Nation-operated and provincially funded schools.

Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians MOU on First Nation Education, 2017

Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT#3), Canada and Ontario signed an MOU on First Nation education through the Education Partnerships Program, 2021

priority areas identified: Early learning, Culturally appropriate teaching and learning resources, Professional Development, Relationship-building, Transitions, Supporting partnerships and relationship-building through the Reciprocal Education Approach and other processes

Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) Memorandum, 2017 :

Build collaborative relationships between Inuit communities, school boards and education partners to promote student success
Inclusion of Inuit culture, values and traditions in the development of provincial education initiatives
Access to language classes and resources that support Inuit cultural safety and integrate Inuit culture into daily classroom activities.

Ontario’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, 2016: The Journey Together – Ontario's Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Ontario’s Plan to Catch Up >

2022-23 Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) >

Learning Opportunities Grant (LOG) >