The Vancouver School Board, Indigenous communities and the Ministry of Education continue to work together to improve the educational experiences for Indigenous students. Indigenous education programs and services are available throughout the school year to students for who have identified or have had parent/guardians identify them as having Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, status and non-status, Métis and Inuit) on the school registration form. 

Indigenous Focus Graduation Requirement:

Effective the 2023-2024 school year, all students working toward a B.C. Certificate of Graduation (“Dogwood Diploma”), in English or French, must successfully complete at least 4 credits in Indigenous-focused coursework. This requirement applies to students in B.C. public, independent, First Nations, and offshore schools. 

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month--a wonderful opportunity to learn about ‘the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis’ (Government of Canada website).  June 21st marks Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize and honour the presence of Indigenous people on this continent for thousands of years, and to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis in shaping Canada.  June 21st has been chosen as Indigenous Peoples Day because it is the summer solstice.  Being the longest day of the year, it has been of great spiritual and cultural significance to First Nations, Inuit and Metis over the generations.  

Across Canada, Indigenous History Month will be celebrated through performances, storytelling, and art. Students and families are encouraged to take the time to learn about Indigenous history and culture by listening to a story, watching a movie, or by participating in a special event at their local library or community. To learn more about National Indigenous History Month, visit the following websites:

Resources:

• Indigenous-focused Graduation Requirement Information Sheet (PDF) 
• Indigenous-focused Graduation Requirement – Q&A (PDF) 
• Indigenous-focused Graduation Parent Brochure (PDF) 
• Musqueam student Karen Dan fulfills a family wish

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.