Yukon students who miss classes for cultural or religious reasons will no longer be marked absent on their report cards.
“This initiative reflects a deep respect for the educational value of Indigenous cultural practices, ensuring that these absences are not marked negatively on student report cards,” the Yukon government said in a statement Monday.
“This policy extends to other cultural or religious activities, recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of all Yukon students. Government of Yukon is continuing to foster First Nations reconciliation, multiculturalism and educational inclusivity by ensuring that student participation in cultural and religious events is recognized positively in attendance records.”
Changes have been made to the way attendance is tracked in the student information system used in all Yukon schools.
“These changes allow for a more accurate and respectful approach to documenting students’ engagement with their cultural and religious heritage,” the government said. “They also respond to long-standing requests from First Nations communities for greater recognition of cultural activities within the educational system.”
The new approach was developed in co-operation with the First Nations Education Commission, and is part of a broader effort to integrate First Nations cultures, languages and perspectives into the educational system.
“This initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of the rich cultural traditions of First Nations and multicultural communities as an essential part of the Yukon’s educational landscape,” said Education Minister Jeanie McLean.
“By acknowledging the educational value of these activities, we are continuing to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all our students.”
Melanie Bennett, who chairs the education commission, said she is “very pleased that we are moving toward reconciliation with our Yukon First Nations.
“Although acknowledgement of cultural absences from school seems small, it is a significant step that the First Nation Education Commission has been working on for a number of years. This is one small step toward building better educational opportunities for our students.”
