STRENGTHENING Intercultural Empathy
BY GAIL ROBINSON TEACHER, ENGLISH AND FACILITATOR, RECONCILIATION & EQUITY IN ACTION
Three years ago, the BC Ministry of Education introduced an Indigenous-focused graduation course requirement for all students. The aim of these courses is to foster an appreciation of Indigenous cultures and perspectives in future generations, while deepening students’ understanding of Canada’ s history, including the impacts of colonialism, the residential school system, and paths to reconciliation. At Crofton House, students may choose to take either English First Peoples 12 or Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12. We design these courses for students to learn about First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories and contributions, as well as contemporary Indigenous issues in British Columbia, Canada, and around the world.
Dedicated to fostering cultural safety and a sense of academic belonging for all students, these courses empower learners to strengthen intercultural empathy. Ultimately, this curriculum reflects our School’ s commitment to responsibility by equipping students with the critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and legal awareness necessary to contribute and thrive in a diverse and interdependent world.
Dedicated to fostering cultural safety and a sense of academic belonging for all students, these courses empower learners to strengthen intercultural empathy.
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