Yukon First Nations curriculum to be mandatory in all Grade 5 classrooms

Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, Yukon First Nations social studies material will become mandatory curriculum for all Grade 5 students in the territory. “Incorporating Yukon-based materials into curriculum is essential to ensuring that all students learn about local First Nations’ history, language and cultural traditions,” said Education Minister Scott Kent. The units and supporting resources, which include student booklets and instructor’s guides, teach about Yukon First Nations in a pre-contact setting, specifically focusing on languages, clans, citizenship and traditional governance. Before implementing the units in the upcoming school year, Yukon Education will offer Grade 5 teachers professional development training this summer. The department’s curriculum consultants and First Nations Programs and Partnerships staff will be available to support teachers in delivering these resources throughout the year. Yukon News