TDSB votes to replace Grade 11 English course with one focusing on Indigenous writers

A new change is coming to grade 11 English that will highlight a part of history often overlooked. Melissa Nakhavoly with details on a new mandatory course celebrating Indigenous writers

The Toronto District School Board has voted to replace one of four compulsory high school English courses with one that focuses on Indigenous writers.

Trustees voted 18 to 3 in favour Wednesday night to replace the Grade 11 English course on literary classics with Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices, which focuses on themes, forms, and styles of literary and informational texts of Indigenous authors in Canada.

The move is in line with the TDSB’s commitment to improving Indigenous education in Ontario and the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“I want to stress to trustees and the public that we are not swapping out Shakespeare, Dickens, or classic literatures for Indigenous authors, such as Leanne Simpson or Tanya Talaga,” Indigenous Student Trustee Isaiah Shafqat told trustees during Wednesday’s meeting. “We’re simply dedicating one of the four compulsory English credits each and every high school student must have to graduate to an Indigenous education course. We’re dedicating one out of 30 courses a student will take in their high school years to Indigenous education.”

The course is currently offered in 29 of 110 high schools with just under 2,000 students having signed up for the course.

School boards in York Region, Essex, Durham, and Ottawa-Carleton have already mandated the implementation of the course for their Grade 11 English credit.

“Students in Grade 9, 10 and 12 will still have the opportunity to read Shakespeare, Dickens and other classic literatures. It is just the one course in four years where they will read Indigenous authors,” added Shafqat.

Trustee James Li (Ward 13 – Don Valley North), one of three trustees to vote against the motion, says he is in favour of making Indigenous education compulsory in every grade, from kindergarten to Grade 12. However, he voted against the motion over concerns that this is the best way of incorporating compulsory Indigenous education into the school system.

“I am deeply concerned on the proposed execution to replace the compulsory Grade 11 English course with the (Indigenous) voices course,” said Li. “What other options have staff considered? What are the impacts of each option? Why is this option the best out of all possible alternatives?”

Trustees Dennis Hastings (Ward 1 – Etobicoke North) and Weidong Pei (Ward 12 – Willowdale) also voted against the motion but did not publicly give their reasons during the meeting.

A report for the gradual implementation of the course is expected to be presented to trustees no later than June 2023 including timelines on when students and staff can expect the course to be made available across the system.

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