October 5, 2022
Minister Lecce,
On behalf of the Toronto District School Board, I am writing you to request increased Ministry access to, and support of Indigenous language education.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action calls for: “Protecting the right to Aboriginal languages, including the teaching of Aboriginal languages as credit courses”. The Toronto District School Board is committed to the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the governing framework for reconciliation. As such, we fully support and uphold the Indigenous Languages Act.
Indigenous languages are an integral part of Indigenous cultures, histories, and identities. Offering students, especially those who are Indigenous, an Indigenous language credit they can use towards their post-secondary education can increase student engagement and success, as well as furthering Indigenous language revitalization, strengthening, and preservation.
The Council of Elders and System Superintendent of Indigenous Education and the Urban Indigenous Education centre are in support of increased access to and support of Native Language education.
In the spirit of Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and self-governance, I am requesting that the Ministry increase access to and support of Native Language education at all Ontario school boards by hiring Indigenous language speakers while exempting them from the requirement of a teaching certification.
As always, I am available at your earliest convenience to discuss this further.
Thank you,
Alexander Brown
Chair, Toronto District School Board