Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is proud to stand in solidarity with our partners in K-12 Education, including BC’s Minister for Education Rachna Singh and MLA for Cowichan Valley Sonia Furstenau, calling for safer, more inclusive schools. All students deserve to attend schools where they feel welcomed, included and respected in a safe learning environment, while being fully and completely themselves.
There is no room for any type of discrimination in BC schools. The B.C. Human Rights Code protects BC students from discrimination based on Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age. Every school in BC should be a place where everyone is welcome, and no student should feel unsafe or excluded.
MNBC recognizes that to achieve educational success, Métis learners need to see themselves reflected in the education system. This begins in early learning and continues in secondary school and later in post-secondary education. Experiences of discrimination, racism and historical trauma are critical social determinants of health for Métis learners and employees within the education system. Their Métis culture and heritage need to be recognized and respected.
“I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary work being done by our partners in education and the thousands of dedicated, highly skilled education staff and leaders across BC to ensure that all students and staff are protected from discrimination at school,” says MNBC’s Minister of Education and Children & Families, Debra Fisher. “We are honoured to walk alongside you and stand firm in our commitment to this important work. Our Nation has dreamed for generations of a dynamic, inclusive education system that is welcoming for all students, staff and families – one that keeps our children at the heart of it all and focuses on their overall success and well-being. We accomplish this by standing together and saying no to discrimination of any form.”
Learn More
Access Erase online resources: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase
The joint statement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ECC0094-001835