Indigenous leaders express hope about Indigenous course requirement’s ability to impact society

Indigenous leaders have expressed hope about the possible impact of the Government of British Columbia’s move to implement an Indigenous course requirement for secondary students. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, who is president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said the news was “encouraging” and would help to combat racism, while Tyrone McNeil, president of the First Nations Education Steering Committee, said the changes will give students an opportunity to build empathy and reduce bias and racism among both students and teachers. “Students will graduate with a more robust understanding of the histories and perspectives of BC First Nations,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations. “The graduation requirement will be an important learning tool for all students and all British Columbians. It is an important step toward improving BC’s education system in the spirit of recognition and respect.”