Ontario Launches First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies Curriculum

Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ontario’s Government for the people is supporting Indigenous students and Indigenous education by releasing the new First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, Grades 9 - 12, curriculum on the Ministry of Education website for school boards, educators, parents, and Indigenous communities and partners.

To implement the revised First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies curriculum, the Ontario government is committing $3.25 million to support school boards.

The curriculum is comprised of ten secondary courses. These elective courses will provide students with up-to-date learning about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, cultures, contributions and contemporary realities in areas such as art, literature, law, humanities, politics and history. It also enhances the ability for educators to support students in their learning.

“We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are present in Ontario’s curriculum,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Education. “We look forward to continuing strong partnerships with Indigenous leaders and the community, and this represents an important step in our ongoing collaboration.”

The curriculum is the result of collaboration with Indigenous teachers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Métis Senators, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community representatives, residential school survivors, Indigenous partners, and other education stakeholders.

The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, Grades 9 - 12, curriculum will provide secondary students a greater understanding of our shared history and bring to life more holistic narratives and representation of Indigenous people that will support all students in their exploration and learning.

Ontario recently announced Education that Works for You, a new plan to improve learning, modernize classrooms, and empower educators to protect what matters most and better prepare students for the realities of today’s modern world. According to Ontario, the launch of this new curriculum is a significant part of the government’s plan to fulfill Ontario’s new vision for education.