NBE3U ENGLISH – UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY FIRST NATIONS, METIS AND INUIT VOICES

This course explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also examines the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures. To fully understand contemporary text forms and their themes of identity, relationship, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance, students will analyse the changing use of text forms by Indigenous authors/creators from various periods and cultures in expressing ideas related to these themes. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts to explore their own ideas and understanding, focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English university or college preparation course.

Strands

The Grade 11 compulsory courses of the English curriculum are organized in four strands, or broad areas of learning: Oral Communication, Reading and Literature Studies, Writing, and Media Studies. In “English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices” these four strands are preceded by strand A: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives and Text Forms in Canada. Although strand A is presented separately from the areas of learning presented in strands B–E, in practice students constantly apply the knowledge and approaches included in strand A as they work to achieve the expectations in all areas of learning.

The knowledge and skills described in strands B–E are interdependent and complementary. Teachers plan activities that blend expectations from the strands in order to provide students with the kinds of experiences that promote meaningful learning and that help them recognize how literacy skills in the four areas reinforce and strengthen one another.

Vision: All students in Ontario will have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions. In order to move forward on our learning journey, students must have a solid understanding of where we have been as a province and a country. Ontario is committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit survivors and communities bring their perspectives to students’ learning about our shared history. With their new understanding, students will be able to challenge commonly held but often erroneous knowledge and sociocultural ideas and perspectives. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies will help students develop the tools, strategies, knowledge, and habits of mind that will enable them to value equity and inclusiveness, effect change, contribute to building healthy and prosperous communities in a rapidly globalizing society, and support strong partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and governments in Canada.