The Ministry of Education has issued updates to the Social Studies, Grades 1 to 3 curriculum to introduce mandatory Indigenous-focused learning. These updates to the curriculum will strengthen learning on residential schools and foster greater understanding of the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, communities and nations to our province and country while learning about their histories and cultures.
These revisions were completed through a co-development process with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #62 and #63 to make age-appropriate curriculum on the residential school system, treaties, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit historical and contemporary contributions to Canada.
These revisions complete the full spectrum of new mandatory learning on First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and histories across this elementary curriculum, including the mandatory learning in Social Studies, Grades 4 to 6, and History in Grades 7, 8, and 10 introduced in 2018.
The revised Grades 1 to 3 Social Studies curriculum will be implemented in September 2023 and includes new grade and age-appropriate learning on:
- traditional Indigenous and treaty territories;
- developing an understanding of the ways of life in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities between 1780 and 1850 and the impact of colonial policies and treaties;
- the interrelationship between contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and the land, including land use, employment and the natural environment; and
- the impact of colonization, including the residential school system, and the reclamation and revitalization of identity, language, culture and community connections.
The new learning is available to all parents, teachers and students on the Curriculum and Resources website at Ontario.ca/curriculum.
Implementation supports
The ministry is committed to supporting educators through training and resources, including webinars and classroom-ready resources. A key changes document and parent’s guide are available on the Curriculum and Resources website that outline the new learning in Grades 1 to 3 Social Studies.
Educators will also have access to professional learning opportunities, including ministry hosted webinars for which registration information will be made available on the Curriculum and Resources website.