First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies (2019)

The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies curriculum introduces students to the rich diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions, and to the critical importance of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing in a contemporary global context. The courses in this curriculum address a wide range of content areas and disciplines, but they share a common vision, as described below.

Vision

All students in Ontario will have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions. In order to move forward on our learning journey, students must have a solid understanding of where we have been as a province and a country. Ontario is committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit survivors and communities bring their perspectives to students’ learning about our shared history. With their new understanding, students will be able to challenge commonly held but often erroneous knowledge and sociocultural ideas and perspectives. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies will help students develop the tools, strategies, knowledge, and habits of mind that will enable them to value equity and inclusiveness, effect change, contribute to building healthy and prosperous communities in a rapidly globalizing society, and support strong partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and governments in Canada.

Goals

Students realize the vision for the program as they:

• make personal connections to advance their understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, languages, histories, rights, and perspectives around the globe, and their appreciation of the role of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities in the development of Canada;
• think critically and creatively about issues of concern to Indigenous peoples and apply the essential understandings and key concepts of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies to real-world inquiries about diversity, nation-to-nation relationship building, the environment, social justice, and cultural identity;
• build respectful and reciprocal relationships to support reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and Canadian society;
• develop essential skills, strategies, and habits of mind that support culturally competent, interdisciplinary learning based on research and inquiry;
• use appropriate technology as a tool to help them gather and analyse information, solve problems, and communicate.