Category: Elementary

Career Profile: Public Relations Specialist

Suppose that you wanted people to know something about you, such as a skill or an interest, or even to explain why you acted a certain way. You could tell them yourself, or you could ask a friend or family member to tell others. That kind of work is what public relations specialists do. These people work with companies and other organizations to explain the business to others. If you are good with words and enjoy working with others, you should consider the job of public relations specialist.

Working as a public relations specialist requires an ability to communicate, as well as some knowledge of business. Many universities offer degrees, and colleges offer diplomas in business marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, and other subjects that can be useful. Normally, it takes about three or four years to complete this training, although some people might continue on with their studies in a subject related to their particular work. High school courses in English, writing, public speaking, and even acting can be useful for the work. Some jobs might require a license to work in this field.

Jobs in public relations tend to be available in large companies, government departments, and major organizations. Cities are the best places to find this type of job, although much of the work can be done remotely in many cases. Basically, public relations specialists promote a company or organization. They publish documents or websites letting people know what their employers do. They might deal with complaints, and sometimes they must decide what to do when a serious scandal threatens to destroy a company or other organization.

Public relations specialists often work as consultants for several different companies, but full-time work is also sometimes available. Consultants are often brought in when a company is in trouble, often because of a problem such as bad management because of a failing economy or similar factors. Sometimes, a new company just needs a bit of help with finding customers. Understanding what clients need in these different situations is important for public relations specialists.

The job of a public relations specialist is not normally very physically difficult, but the hours can be long and stressful. Sometimes, these specialists might arrange press conferences, public lectures, or other events that can go all day or late into the evening. People in this field need to be friendly and welcoming to others and have a certain amount of endurance to be able to stay alert through all of these events. They also need to be quick thinkers in case they need to make a last-minute change to a program or event.

Salaries for public relations specialists depend on the size of the organization where they work and can vary widely for freelance consultants. However, pay generally starts at about $47,000 per year and can rise to about $62,000 with experience. The job can be difficult, but people can continue in the work until retirement if they wish, especially if they have good helpers to do some of the more challenging parts, such as moving tables and chairs in a meeting room.

Explaining the value in what others do can be an important job. If you like communicating with others and helping them understand someone else’s viewpoint, a career as a public relations specialist might be right for you.

Bibliography:

Career Explorer. “Public Relations Specialist.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/public-relations-specialist.

Job Bank. “Public Relations Specialist in Ontario.” https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/20976/ON.

Glassdoor. “Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/public-relations-pr-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm

Ontario Colleges. “Public Relations.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/business-finance-and-administration/public-relations.

March 31, 2025

What are Taxes?

Taxes are collected by the government so they can provide programs and services to people every day. Everyone in Canada is required to pay taxes in some way. It may seem like people pay a lot of taxes, but the services the government provides are very costly, and lots of people use them. Therefore, everyone needs to help contribute to the city, province and country they live in.

Some of the programs and services that are funded by taxes are public schools, parks and recreational centers, hospitals and health care, medical research, national defense, disaster relief, roads and highways, railways, public broadcasting and social assistance (which helps support the very poor when they need it).

Common types of taxes include income tax, sales tax, property tax, corporate tax and inheritance tax. They are paid at three levels of government: Federal, provincial and municipal (city).

Most people have money taken from their paychecks each time they get paid. This is called income tax. Each year, Canadian citizens must complete an income tax return claiming all of the income they made that year. They can also claim certain deductions and tax credits (these vary from province to province). Common deductions are tuition and books for post-secondary education, interest paid on student loans, etc. When you file your income tax, you will either get a return, meaning you overpaid that year and will receive some money back, or you will owe, meaning you didn’t contribute enough and you are required to pay more. In Canad, the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) collects income tax.

If you own property (land, house, apartment building, office complex, cottage, etc.), you are required to pay property tax. This tax is based on the value of the property. Property values are determined by property assessors who establish what the property is worth based on what it could sell for on the market.

For young people, the most common tax you will have to pay is sales tax. It is a surcharge applied to most items you want to buy like candy, clothes, books, music, video games, toys, movies and sports equipment. For example, if you want to buy a new video game that costs $39.99 and you work hard, save up and take two twenties to the store, you will not have enough to cover the cost of the game. This is because a sales tax will be applied to the “sticker price”. Sales taxes or consumption taxes are collected on most goods, with the exception of basic food necessities, prescription medicines and baby necessities. In Canada, sales tax also differs from province to province. There is PST- Provincial Sales Tax, GST- Goods and Services Tax and HST- Harmonized Sales Tax.

Sales Tax by Province

Province	GST/ HST	PST
British Columbia	5% (GST)	7%
Alberta	5% (GST)	0%
Saskatchewan	5% (GST)	6%
Manitoba	5% (GST)	7%
Ontario	13% (HST)	0%
Quebec	5% (GST)	9.98%
Newfoundland	15% (HST)	0%
Nova Scotia	14% (HST)	0%
New Brunswick	15% (HST)	0%
Prince Edward Island	15% (HST)	0%
Northwest Territories	5% (GST)	0%
Nunavut	5% (GST)	0%
Yukon Territory	5% (GST)	0%

March 31, 2025

Benefits of Outdoor Education in Early Childhood

After a long day at school, spending time outside can be a good way to relax. However, the outdoors can be part of learning, even before children begin school. Outdoor education in early childhood can be very beneficial for students’ learning in helping them to develop some of the skills that they need for the future.

Being outside brings many benefits, including fresh air, the opportunity to exercise, and the chance to learn many useful facts about nature. Being able to identify different types of plants, for example, can help people distinguish between edible and poisonous ones. Learning about animals can also help people understand how to treat them. Knowing how to avoid being sprayed by a skunk, for example, could be very helpful for anyone who wants to spend time outside.

The idea of outdoor education likely came through the tradition of holding summer camps for children. In the early 1900s, people first started sending their children to camps where they had the chance for personal growth and learning skills such as community-building. The environmental movement of the 1950s and 1960s also added the idea of environmental care and stewardship. Helping children become aware of the places and the people around them was part of the goal.

Besides these skills, gaining useful experiences was an important feature of these camps, as it was in other outdoor education programs. Students could learn how to swim, for example, which is important for anyone who goes near water. However, having fun and spending time with friends can also be valuable. People need time to relax, and outdoor education can provide an opportunity for that.

Outdoor education can be formal and organized, with activities planned for all the time that students are outside. For example, they might have races or possibly nature walks to find different animals or plants. However, outdoor education can be informal, where students can wander around and find whatever interests them. It can also be somewhere between formal and informal, with planned events but also free time for students to choose their activities.

People can start outdoor education at any point, but beginning in early childhood is a good idea. At that age, children have the energy and curiosity to begin to learn about the outdoors and study plants and animals. Later, going out into nature can become an everyday activity, a habit that no longer needs a plan because it is normal. If an activity is not part of people’s everyday life, it becomes more difficult for them to start in their adult years.

Beginning in early childhood also has other benefits. For example, it can help people understand issues such as climate change and pollution. People know about these issues from television and the Internet, but it can seem unreal unless they see it for themselves. If they start early, people can see how the environment has changed and possibly find solutions for at least some of the issues.

Outdoor education can be an important part of learning about the world and the people and animals living here. If you have a chance, you should be part of activities that help you gain that knowledge.

Bibliography

Alden, C. “Why the Outdoors Should Be an Integral Part of Every Early Learning and Child-Care Program.” https://childcarecanada.org/documents/research-policy-practice/21/08/why-outdoors-should-be-integral-part-every-early-learning.

Asfeldt, Morgan; Rebecca Purc-Stephenson; Thomas Zimmerman. “Outdoor Education in Canadian Public Schools: Connecting Children and Youth to People, Place, and Environment.” https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13504622.2022.2061919.

Harwood, D., E. Boileau, Z. Dabaja, K. Julien. “Exploring the National Scope of Outdoor Nature-Based Early Learning Programs in Canada: Findings from a Large-Scale Survey Study.” https://ijheld.lakeheadu.ca/article/view/1761.

March 31, 2025
5 Ways to Put Your Creativity Hat On: Celebrating the World Creativity and Innovation Day
Every year on April 21, World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed to raise awareness about the role of innovation and creativity in each aspect of human development. This was primarily implemented by the United Nations to encourage countries into creative multidisciplinary thinking at both group and individual levels.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution to celebrate the day on April 27, 2017. And did you know that this special day was founded in Toronto, Canada? The founder of the day was Marci Segal, a Canadian who was studying creativity in 1977 at the International Center for Studies in Creativity.

Creativity is an important skillset not just in school but also later when you join the workforce. If you feel like you can hone your creative skills further, read below for 5 tips to help you out.
1. Be inspired!
You can get a spark of creativity on your own, or you can be inspired by the works of others. Throughout history, there have been countless anecdotes of how artists’ works have inspired other artists. For example, renowned pop artist Andy Warhol was inspired by The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. And the work of art does not have to be an artwork per se, you can get inspiration from music, film, or theatre.
1. Take note!
If you’re the type who experiences bursts of creativity at unexpected times, it’s ideal to have a notebook on hand to jot those ideas down! If you’re more of the tech-savvy type, have your phone handy so you can note the ideas on your notepad in your phone or tablet. You never know what you’ll come up with AND when you’ll come up with it, so always take note so you don’t forget.
1. Have open lines of communication.
If you’re having a hard time developing an idea, maybe it’s time to bring in some reinforcements – they can come in the form of family members or friends or classmates you normally do homework with. Sometimes, it truly helps to open up to others and brainstorm with them when you can, and with some teamwork, your good idea will turn into a great idea!
1. Daydream.
This one you may be reluctant to do, but daydreaming can actually help boost your creativity. Of course, make sure you don’t do it while in class when the teacher is expecting that they have your 100 per cent attention. What you can do is set aside a time when you have no task on hand to worry about and just take time for a breather and daydream. For sure, you’ll find yourself having an idea or two!
1. Exercise!
This last one may sound surprising, but it’s backed by science. Getting some exercise can help awaken your creative self! A study by the National Institutes of Health suggests that physical activity can prevent mental fogginess, so maybe the next time you are struggling with creativity, go out for a walk or run!

Getting your creative juices flowing is easier said than done most of the time. However, there are ways to accomplish this. Follow the tips above, and you will! Good luck!

Sources

Berman, Judy. “10 Famous Artworks Inspired by Other Famous Artworks.” Flavorwire. https://www.flavorwire.com/293497/10-famous-artworks-inspired-by-other-famous-artworks

Brend, Yvette. “Design experts rethink the workspace as pandemic restrictions ease across Canada.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-feb-25-2022-1.6364228/design-experts-rethink-the-workspace-as-pandemic-restrictions-ease-across-canada-1.6373245

Cherry, Kendra. “10 Psychological Tricks That Will Boost Your Creativity.” Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-most-unusual-psychological-tricks-to-boost-your-creativity-4022442

Patel, Deep. “6 Proven Ways To Increase Your Creativity.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/07/30/6-proven-ways-to-increase-your-creativity/?sh=241129a84295
March 31, 2025
The Battle of the Languages: French vs. English

With the popularity of French language streaming shows like “Emily in Paris,” a large number of people who aren’t familiar with the language are considering learning French. And in Canada, where French is one of the official languages, along with English, dabbling in French is almost commonplace.

According to Statistics Canada, almost 18 per cent of the Canadian population, or 6.2 million individuals, can speak both English and French fluently. The largest French speaking population can be found in Quebec, where an estimated 1.1 million Canadians are French speakers compared to about 700,000 English speakers.

It can definitely be an advantage to be able to speak and write in both languages. If you’re planning to take up French in the near future, read below on how exactly it weighs against the English language.

Masculine vs. Feminine

In the English language, pronouns are used to differentiate between gender identifications of persons. In the French language, this is the same case. However, in French, one must also learn how to differentiate masculine nouns from feminine nouns when referring to objects. This is especially important because there are articles that are solely used for feminine nouns and masculine nouns.

However, telling whether an object is masculine or feminine doesn’t necessarily mean a lot of guesswork. It all depends on how a word is spelled, and you have to particularly pay attention to how it ends.

If a word ends in -age, -ment, -il, -ail, -eil, -euil, -eau, -eu, -er, -oir, -isme, -ing, -ard, -am, -um, -em, -it, -est, -an, -and, -ent, -in, -int, -om, -ond, -ont, -ème, or ège, then it’s usually masculine. If a word ends in -tion, -sion, -son, -ure, -ude, -ade, -ée, -té, -ière, -euse, -ance, -ence, or -ie, then it’s usually feminine. We say usually because there are exceptions to this rule.

Adjectives

No language is complete without adjectives, and French has a rich vocabulary of adjectives, similar to English. However, while in English the adjective always comes before the noun, in French, most adjectives come after the noun.

The adjectives which follow the noun describe colour, shape, or nationality, while the ones which come before the noun are typically those that refer to age, goodness, beauty, or size, as well as those with two syllables or less or ones that pertain to a numerical value. However, as with gender for objects, there are exceptions to the rule.

Forming negative sentences

Forming a negative sentence in French can be tricky, especially if you’re used to doing it in English, where all you need to do to negate a verb is to put the negation before it. In French, you’ll need to do a double negation around the verb.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the negative structures go around the conjugated verb only and not the subject pronoun.

While there are major differences between English and French, don’t forget that there are similarities too! Numerous words are common in both languages because English was so heavily influenced by French after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. According to some estimates, 40-45% of English vocabulary is shared with French, and examples of these are silhouette, prestige, and chauffeur.

March 1, 2025
Promoting Positive Body Image and Self-Esteem in Young Children in India

By Rabia Khan

Since weight is the most controversial topic, children often shy away from talking about body issues. Media loves to stereotype human bodies and we tend to become pawns of this irrational system, turning us into puppets. The constant pressure put on young children to be perfect at times can get out of control.

Obsession with fairness creams and being thin to an extent have proven that we still live around a cynical outlook. Multiple advertisements are hellbent on brainwashing young children, steering them to believe they are not good enough, and perpetuating unhealthy lifestyles that their parents often don’t desire.

The patriarchal ancient system concludes that young women in India are looked at as subjective role models, hence not giving preference to their abilities as a person but giving preference to their outer appearance. Promoting such body image impacts the self-esteem of young children, leading them to unhealthy coping mechanisms like fasting, diet-crashing, various weight loss regimes, etc.

We grew up in households where ‘superstitious’ beliefs were the heart of our family. Women are hammered with endless expectations and are looked upon as perfect and ‘neat as milk’. People in India and some traditional environments hold such a backward mentality that they believe a ‘docile’ woman is the perfect daughter-in-law, and that such a docile person would come without any warnings of foreboding. Just because a woman is born with a fair complexion, that doesn’t mean she cannot indulge herself in ‘feminine sins’.

Promoting positive body image will surely bring a sense of security to young children. Setting their self-esteem in the right direction while they are in the primitive years can prepare them for a brighter future and bring success. This very system of promoting body image proves that we are so insecure with ourselves that we feel obliged to take somebody’s natural essence away by distorting their principles of basic human rights.

Since endless jingles and advertisements surround our generation, tele-friendly adverts never show the dark side of various products and the very dangers that come with them, many have been proven to cause cancer due to the heavy amount of chemicals injected into them.

Through education, we can fairly promote positive body image and self-esteem in young children. Receiving the right kind of education will not only feed your knowledge by eliminating malpractices, but it will also strengthen the ideologies that are overlooked in the industry.

Unrealistic obsessions are thrown at us like a fairy tale, and it’s easier to get influenced because of our feeble minds. Parents need to foster an attitude of radical acceptance and teach them to love themselves when they are young. They grow up to become responsible adults when they feel secure within themselves. It’s essential to prioritize your child’s mental and physical being in a judgement-free environment.

Listening and understanding your children will help elevate their self-esteem, making healthy living conditions for them to grow as their selves.

March 1, 2025
The Role of Pets in Mental Wellbeing

By Rabia Khan

We all need that little something that uplifts us instantly. And what more than your pets doing their role in perfecting your mental wellbeing, and we all agree to it fully! There is substantial scientific proof and evidence that shows the role of pets in enhancing mental wellbeing in human beings. Dogs have been used for multiple scientific and medical purposes for the impact they have on human beings. Dogs are the only creature that connects with people on a spiritual level. Here is the reason how pets contribute to mental wellbeing, you’ll be surprised to know some facts about your pets that you didn’t know before!

Companionship

A sense of belonging and of drive is essential for humans. As is the want to feel linked together, which alleviates isolation and offers delight. Pets can help people who are depressed by offering friendship, especially those who are aged or unwell. The addition of a beloved pet or dog to the daily lives of veterans suffering from PTSD has also been shown to enhance their psychological state. As a result, servicemen are urged to obtain dogs as buddies while they adjust back to the normal world.

Non-verbal communication

You often don’t need to communicate with your pets, if you ever feel sad, your pets are most likely to understand your feelings much better without even communicating. Besides, dogs are super loyal to their caretaker. That’s why many believe that dogs are the best healers for mankind. Pets support individual mental wellbeing by just being in their lives. After all, their innocence plays a huge role in our stressful lives.

Make you happy!

Spending time with your pets releases certain endorphins in your brain. Stroking a dog has been shown to boost the release of serotonin. Similarly, pets can also boost the levels of endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. They can also activate various additional hormones which contribute to an individual feeling healthier. It has also been demonstrated that simply contemplating pets in our daily life can help alleviate unhappiness induced by disappointment or loneliness.

Treatment for illness

Pets are frequently used in treatment for those suffering from severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, autism, or a genetic disorder called Down syndrome. Dogs often serve older individuals by filling positivity into their lives. A lot of mental health and rehab centers use dogs as a therapy to help individuals affected by any illness. Some hospitals will often see weekly visits by dogs to enhance a patient’s moods, and it has been very effective so far.

If you have a dog, cherish them, as they are a gift!

March 1, 2025
How to make the most out of the rest of the school year
By Avreet Jagdev

As we roll into springtime, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the school year is coming to an end. For many, this is exciting news — who doesn’t look forward to summer? But this also might mean you’re one step closer to graduating, which can be a big and scary change. Even for those not graduating, you’ll only be in your current grade once! So if you’re looking to make this academic year one to remember, here are some tips and pieces of advice to make the most out of the rest of your school year.
1. Attend sports events
Even if sports aren’t your thing, watching school sports events can be lots of fun, and will become memories you’ll cherish long after you graduate! As someone who graduated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I regret not going to high school sports games when I had the chance to do so. The energy is always unmatched, and it’s also a great way to unwind from the stress of school.
1. Actively make new friends
One thing that will always stick with you – even after the school year is over – are the friends you make. Especially if you’re someone who is more introverted or has had the same group of friends for most of their schooling, consider challenging yourself to actively pursue new friendships. This might mean sitting next to someone new in class, talking to a stranger in the hallway, or hanging out with your friends’ friends! However you do it, making new friends is one of the best ways to make the most out of the school year.
1. Get involved in extracurriculars
It might be late in the school year, but it is never too late to take on a new extracurricular activity! Consider joining a club, sport, intramurals, or other campus initiatives and opportunities. Look for things you truly enjoy.
1. Study in a group
Studying can be stressful, but you can make it more fun by starting a study group with your friends or classmates. Find a day and time that works for everyone in your group, and plan to meet at a library, school, or someone’s house. Bring your study material, and don’t forget snacks! Try setting timers for twenty-five minutes in which everyone is productive, give yourself five-minute breaks to chat and unwind, and repeat!
1. Start thinking about your summer plans
If you want to be proactive, the end of the school year can be a good time to start thinking about what you’ll be up to in the summer. If you want to save some money, start thinking about applying to summer jobs. If you want to have fun and make memories, look into summer camps or other activities you can join. If you plan to apply to university soon, think about dedicating your summer to working on your applications.
March 1, 2025
Starting Spring Traditions!

By Erin Rebello

As the days start getting warmer and the new grass begins to peek out from the ground, it’s a sure sign that spring is on its way!

As the snow melts, many animals come out of hibernation at this time of year. As a result, many people associate spring with “waking up” and “freshening up”. Many cultures also celebrate this exciting time of year with various customs and traditions. In India, Hindus celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, where colorful powder is thrown to show joy for the end of the winter and the beginning of the growing season. In North America, Catholics celebrate Easter, and you may be familiar with festivities such as egg hunts! Many people and cultures around the world celebrate the coming of spring. What will you do to celebrate?

One tradition that my family takes part in every spring is the planting of a garden! We work together to decide what seeds and shrubs we want to plant and then spend a day driving around to different plant stores to pick them up. As a family, we prepare the garden with thoughtful weeding and soil-mixing. Then, we get together and plant our seeds and saplings for our blend of vegetables and flowers, which usually include tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, beans, zucchini and different coloured roses! We also take care of our perennial flowers and shrubs from previous years. If you don’t have a backyard, you can always grow plants in pots on a terrace or balcony. A lot of areas also have community gardens where you can work with neighbours to cultivate a garden together! One great thing about this tradition is that it continues through the spring, summer, and fall, so it’s a great way to do something as a family all year round! As a bonus, you also have a beautiful looking garden and tons of fresh produce to munch on! Delicious!

Another great tradition to take part in this spring is DIY projects. With flowers blooming and the sun shining, it’s safe to say that spring is a truly inspirational season! Channel your inner artist and be inspired by the world around you! There are a variety of different crafts you can make; my personal favourites are crafts that can serve as room decor! If you’ve been thinking of growing some plants indoors but think that terra cotta pots look too plain, simply pick up a paintbrush and get to work! This way, you’ll add a splash of colour to your room before your plants even begin to bloom! Another “eggcellent” craft idea is decorating Fabergé eggs! In the 1800s Russian jewelers crafted beautiful eggs made of gold and dripping with gemstones. These eggs cost a fortune and were used as gifts for the Tsars and their families. Although you may not have gold or jewels, with some hollowed out chicken eggs, some spray paint, and a couple rhinestones, you can make your very own customized Fabergé eggs! These eggs also work great if you celebrate Easter or you’re planning an egg hunt!

As boring as it sounds, spring cleaning is another great tradition that you should consider adopting this year! Considering the fact that spring is about renewal and regrowth, now is a great time to catch up on all that cleaning you’ve been putting off for months! While you may have a tidy room, take some time to do a deep clean, vacuuming those hard to reach spots and dusting every nook and cranny. This is also an excellent opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide whether you want to keep them or not. Chances are, you’ll find a lot of toys or clothes that you’ve outgrown that are still taking up space in your room. Instead of just dumping unwanted items into the landfill, be sure to consider what can be given to friends, donated to thrift stores, or sent to a recycling plant! Though this whole ‘spring cleaning’ thing may seem like a chore at first, having a clean and tidy room allows for new growth and productivity in this new season!

March 1, 2025
Curriculum Inclusion: Representing BIPOC History and Contributions in Schools

By Natasha Cooper

In Canada’s unique and complex history, the stories of Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour or BIPOC communities have often been overlooked, written out, and silenced. This reality is harmful to all students studying history, as it falls short of the primary reason why we teach students history; to understand the past so they can better understand the world and social-systematic structures they are currently living in.

Recognizing and teaching BIPOC history is imperative for students to understand the full and diverse range of Canada’s heritage. For far too long, an Anglicized curriculum emphasizing the triumphs of white settlers in this country has been the brunt of what Canadian students are taught in the classroom. These lessons fail to recognize the experiences of BIPOC communities, as well as any community that did not fall into a White, Anglo-Saxon and protestant background. It is easy to see how such a narrow framework of history curriculum is harmful to students and society.

While there are some lessons on the Atlantic Slave Trade as well as some more informal educational initiatives that take place in schools during black history month, many have noticed that the Canadian curriculum has large gaps in their curriculum on BIPOC experiences and contributions in Canada. Furthermore, when the history of minority groups is discussed, especially those of African descent, mostly negative experiences and stories are considered. While of course, students need to be aware of the historical injustices that have taken place against BIPOC communities, it would also be beneficial to include the cultural history and positive impact of these peoples as well. It is necessary that further exploration of the experiences of BIPOC communities in Canada, both the good and the bad, are present in history lessons to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel positively represented. Lessons on African civilizations and the achievements of black scientists, for example, are scathingly absent in the classroom.

Another matter of concern is the inconsistency of the curriculum taught in schools. Unfortunately, what students are learning in History varies from classroom to classroom and can also be largely dependent on the teacher they have. This means that for a more inclusive history to be taught, school boards across the nation must do more to ensure that these lessons are mandatory within the curriculum. Black people across Canada, more specifically educators and parents, have been campaigning for more teachings on the black experience in Canada for decades now.

Only very recently, perhaps in light of the BLM movement are their voices finally being heard. British Columbia has made steps to include more elective history courses including Asian Studies, Genocide Studies, and BC First People’s Studies. More elective courses covering a more diverse set of history is a great step forward but still lacks assurance that all Canadian students have a mandatory baseline understanding of our shared history with BIPOC communities. Teachers might find there simply are not enough hours dedicated to history to include all significant peoples and stories. This might mean that maybe these themes and lessons should also be highlighted in English, Social Studies, Geography, and other humanities courses.

BIPOC inclusion in history can have a profound impact on self-esteem and a sense of belonging. BIPOC students seeing themselves reflected in their curriculum is both validating and empowering. By learning about the resilience, resistance, and achievements of BIPOC people, students can become more engaged in their own communities and be drivers of social change and justice. If educators and school boards can take more steps to diversify mandatory history curricula, students will experience a more nuanced and accurate understanding of how our nation has come to be one of the most multicultural countries in the world.

February 1, 2025