Indigenous-focused Graduation Requirement

FNESC achieved an Indigenous-focused graduation requirement that ensures all secondary students take four credits of Indigenous-focused coursework to graduate with a Dogwood Diploma.

The BC Ministry of Education has implemented an Indigenous-focused graduation requirement for all secondary students.

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, 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

Details on the graduation requirement are available in the following resources developed by the Ministry, in collaboration with FNESC.