Students at high schools in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board will soon be required to take a First Nations class.
Starting this fall, Grade 11 students will take a compulsory English course called 'Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices' (NBE 3C NBE 3U). The courses will replace the previous required Grade 11 college or university English course.
"Studies will explore the elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, in what we now know as Canada," read a statement from Chris Kehoe, Superintendent of Education. "The course will also examine the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures."
Students will learn to read, write and discuss works by Indigenous authors and creators. They will also be given the opportunity to critically engage in Indigenous issues.
Cortnee Goure, the Indigenous Education Lead for the school board said students will get a chance to learn directly from Indigenous community partners giving them a better understanding of Indigenous issues.
The course will serve as a prerequisite for the compulsory Grade 12 English class.
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