Stephen Lecce. CPAC Screenshot
There are renewed calls to expand Indigenous history programming in Ontario schools.
It comes in the wake of the discovery of 215 bodies of residential school students.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says everyone in the government is deeply disturbed by the finding.
“Quite obvious that we must continue our work as governments in the reconciliation of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples of this country. What took place within the residential schools, that era, is a dark chapter in Canadian history.”
Lecce notes the province continues to work on an enhanced education plan.
“We’ve assured that through Grade 4 to 8 as well as in Grade 10 that there is mandatory learning with respect to residential schools and treaties, including the broader themes around history/culture of our Indigenous peoples.”
However, Lecce stresses a lot of work remains.
“Our Ministry reached out to Indigenous partners and experts about ways by which we can further strengthen Ontario’s curriculum with respect to Indigenous history and greater sense of knowledge on residential schools. So this is part of our broader commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation.”
Lecce says he takes this issue very seriously and work will continue throughout the next couple of months.
