NationTalk: Toronto, ON) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement condemning recent actions of the Office of the Minister of Education that perpetuate systemic inequities in the Ontario education system:

“Recent actions by the Office of the Minister of Education do not support Ontario’s commitment to work with First Nations as partners on policies and programs. Further, these actions do not reflect the spirit and intentions of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada,” said Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare.

“The Minister’s Office recently dismissed the thoughtful work of curriculum writers when Indigenous science and technology was struck from the curriculum for the 2022 school year. In addition, the Minister’s Office removed expectations that would have allowed students the opportunity to analyze contributions to science and technology from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit; Black and other racialized communities; women; people with disabilities; and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This expectation was rendered down to “analyze contributions to science and technology from various communities.” This deprives students of the opportunity to understand and celebrate the unique contributions of distinct communities that have been discriminated against, omitted, or misrepresented throughout history.

First Nation students attending school in the provincial education system continue to experience deep, ongoing marginalization and vulnerability associated with systemic inequities embedded in the system. We need a curriculum in schools that humanizes and elevates historically marginalized voices. Instead, we have witnessed paternalistic actions of the Office of the Minister of Education, which silence our voices in the new K-8 science and technology curriculum.

Ontario must commit to addressing the systemic gaps within the education system, beginning with a collaborative effort to improve the curriculum development and revision process. The ongoing disregard for First Nations identities, cultures, values, and ways of knowing has to stop. Our children and future generations deserve better!”

Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare (Gwiingos)

-30-

The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Genna Benson
Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Policy and Communications Sector
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org