Territories to partner in Alberta curriculum revitalization

The Alberta Department of Education is working in collaboration with Nunavut and the Northwest Territories on the revitalization of the Alberta K- 12 curriculum. The redesign aims to improve education and skills training for students based on up-to-date research on teaching and learning.

Currently, Nunavut follows Alberta’s K-12 system and incorporates the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.  Students benefit from lessons that integrate Inuit Societal Values that are based on Inuit traditional knowledge, language & beliefs. Through incorporating the guiding principle of Piliriqatigiinniq: working together for a common purpose, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories educational leaders will collaborate, and work in partnership with Alberta on a new approach to developing curriculum. Included in the redesign will be the history, perspectives and contributions of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and francophone people.

Joe Karetak - Community Education Development Coordinator, Ken Beardsall - Nunavusiutit Curriculum Coordinator, Suzie Muckpah - Inuktitut Coordinator, Curriculum and School Services and Jim Kreuger - Education Consultant attended a consultation meeting with Alberta Education last week. Karetak spoke about Inuit perspectives including references to cultural knowledge, wisdom and oral tradition. He indicated the importance of Elders and Knowledge Keepers to incorporate the Inuit ways of knowing in curriculum, and how they are essential in transferring, preserving and maintaining knowledge, language and traditions.

 “It is great that our jurisdictions can work together towards incorporating Inuit culture into the curriculum,” said Joe Karetak. “I enjoy collaborating on the curriculum development process; I believe it will support consistent and relevant learning experiences for all students.”

Karetak, Beardsall, Muckpah and Kreuger have been involved in the redesign since 2016.   “Curriculum has a role in creating a positive future for Nunavut,” said Beardsall. “It is a core element of formal education and the basis of learning experiences.” The rewrite is estimated to take six years to complete, and will be focused on six subject areas: arts, language arts, math, social studies, science, and wellness.

Part of the Government of Nunavut’s mandate has been the implementation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in all Nunavut schools. The current participation of the territories in the Alberta curriculum redesign will ensure that formal education in Nunavut will have a positive impact not only in all levels of education but also in ensuring future Alberta curriculum includes Inuit and northern perspectives that support the formation of positive values in the communities. 

For more information please contact info.edu@gov.nu.ca. or 867-975-5649.