Bill calling for the promotion of Aboriginal History in Canadian schools being introduced by MP
Brent St. Denis introduces Bill to promote Aboriginal History in Schools
December 13, 2007 - It is with great pride Liberal MP Brent St. Denis introduces his bill entitled An Act to promote the teaching of aboriginal history and culture in Canada’s schools.
The Bill requires the Government of Canada to take all available measures to work with the provinces, First Nations, the Inuit, the Metis Nation, and any other interested persons to support and promote the use of an appropriate curriculum to teach aboriginal history and culture in Canada’s primary and secondary schools.
“I am very proud to introduce this Bill. I believe that if this Bill is passed, it will promote an environment of understanding in Canada that will help our country move forward.” said Brent St. Denis. “This is an important issue about which I feel strongly.”
Mr. St. Denis strongly believes that over the years, the teaching of aboriginal history and culture has been deficient in primary and secondary schools. He believes that this has contributed to a level of misunderstanding of the important place of Canada’s aboriginal peoples in our country’s history and to a lack of appreciation for important cultural, legal, historical, and political matters such as treaties and the land claims process and for the deep roots of aboriginal peoples in the land and their culture.
As with his Bill to ensure that Northern Ontario receives its fair share of federal seats in the House of Commons, Mr. St. Denis is committed to working with all political parties in a non-partisan way to ensure speedy passage of this very important Bill. Just recently, Mr. St. Denis’ Bill recognizing peacekeepers and peacekeeping passed the House of Commons unanimously, with support from all parties.