Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 63 : Education for Reconciliation (62-65)

Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association – 2 School Boards

April 1, 2018

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Department of Education and Early Childhood Education (EECD)

Education Agreements: The EECD is not responsible for agreements that may exist between local school districts and FNMI bands or communities. We are aware of FNMI-school district cooperation as it pertains to the development of cultural resources and teacher professional learning.

Curriculum Development for mandatory Indigenous History and Culture: In collaboration with Aboriginal groups, EECD is developing culturally appropriate resources including a series of Aboriginal themed Graphic Novels to support the provincially prescribed Social Studies curriculum. Resources will be targeted toward Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners in all schools in the province. The Department is currently reviewing the Resource “The Secret Path” a graphic novel focused on the legacy of the Residential School System to determine where it can be integrated into the curriculum. EECD has produced Nitassinan Journey: Our Innu Stories, an intermediate resource that brings the stories of the Innu to all students in the province. EECD in collaboration with the Innu Nation, developed 11 books and 4 story books (Uapikan) for use in primary Innu classrooms. These books, developed by Innu, are written in both Innuaimun and English. Through consultation with aboriginal groups, the Department continues to include Aboriginal content in curriculum where applicable and relevant including:

  • Newfoundland Studies 2205, a high school Social Studies course
  • Canadian History 1201
  • Kindergarten health books where particular attention has been given to Aboriginal history and culture. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners in the province have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal heritage, tradition and culture.
  • Social Studies and Religious education programs where particular attention has been given to Aboriginal history and culture. For example, Aboriginal Content makes up 60% of the Grade Five Social Studies Program and the Grade Nine Social Studies Program examines how Aboriginal Groups have worked towards self-determination and self-government. In the Religious Studies Program Aboriginal Content is addressed through topics such as the developing an appreciation to the interconnectedness of all creation and an in- depth examination of Aboriginal beliefs systems, spirituality; symbols and rituals and the relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Moravian Missionaries.
  • The topic of the Residential Schools System within Canada is addressed in grade 7 and 9 social studies curriculum.

Teacher Education Programs: The EECD is not responsible for pre-service education programs. Principally, in Newfoundland and Labrador, this responsibility lies with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN). When requested, the Department will collaborate and provide feedback to the university on programs that address FNMI culture and history.