Starting in the 2023/24 school year, all BC secondary students pursuing a Dogwood Diploma are required to complete four credits of Indigenous-focused coursework in order to graduate.

This transformative change to the Graduation Program represents an important next step toward lasting and meaning reconciliation, providing all BC students with the necessary time and opportunity to develop deeper understandings of the experiences, cultures, and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The new requirement also reflects ongoing work by the Ministry of Education of Child Care, FNESC, and other education partners to build capacity within the education system to address Indigenous-specific racism.

FNESC appreciates the efforts of the First Nations Leadership Council, First Nations, and the FNESC Board of Directors in achieving this significant milestone. We also appreciate the expressions of support from our partner organizations, including the BC School Trustees Association, BC Teachers’ Federation, and the BC Association of Institutes and Universities.

Key Documents

FNESC and the Ministry of Education of Child Care co-developed a number of resources for students, parents, schools, and school districts that are available for download on the Ministry’s Graduation Requirement website.