THUNDER BAY – Officials at Lakehead Public Schools are looking forward to including more Black history content in their curriculum.
The government of Ontario announced on Thursday that it's introducing new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history focusing more on the contributions and history of Black Canadians.
The province said students will now learn about the contributions of Black individuals to Canada’s foundation as a young nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building a democratic, inclusive and prosperous country.
“Black history is Canadian history,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education in a release on Thursday.
“By mandating learning on the contributions Black individuals made to our country’s founding and success, the next generation of Canadians will better appreciate the sacrifice, patriotic commitment and long-lasting contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada.
"As the economy and technology continue to change, we will continue to modernize curriculum, with an emphasis on STEM education, so students have the skills and confidence to graduate into good-paying jobs," he said.
Sherri-Lynne Pharand, director of education for the Lakehead Public School Board, released a statement on Friday that said the board is looking forward to working with the Ministry of Education to implement those changes into the curriculum while also ensuring teachers have the necessary materials to provide that education.
“In the past, curriculum on Canadian history has largely been from a Eurocentric narrative, which discounted the critical contributions of so many, including Black Canadians,” the statement read.
“Learning the history of the Black Canadian experience pre- and post-Confederation, and their fundamental role in shaping the country we live in today is critical for our students to understand the full history of Canada.”
Starting in September 2025, Grades 7, 8 and 10 history classes will include mandatory learning with an emphasis on elevating Black history as Canadian history, by highlighting the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development of Canada.
“Acknowledging the full spectrum of Black Canadian history is essential to address the legacies of anti-Black racism,” Pharand said.
“This curriculum change is an important step and reinforces Lakehead District School Board’s commitment to advancing equitable and inclusive education.”
