• Français
Future Skills Center logo
Français
Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research
Research

Curriculum and Reconciliation: Introducing Indigenous Perspectives into K–12 Science

Unlocking prosperity and self-determination

Expanding resource development opportunities and increasing recognition of Indigenous rights are creating unique economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities and businesses could benefit from a wave of major project investments over the coming decade. However, Indigenous youth are under-represented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations that are critical to maximizing economic opportunities and supporting self-determination.

This impact paper outlines how school science curricula in Canada is changing.

Key Takeaways

1

Some provinces and territories have tried to make K–12 science curricula more inclusive over the past decade by introducing Indigenous perspectives.

2

To realize the full impact of these changes, pedagogy, or how the sciences are taught in post-secondary education (PSE), will also have to change.

3

The majority of Indigenous students in Canada study science in school from a purely Western cultural perspective. For many, this experience can be alienating. As a result, Indigenous students often opt out of science classes in senior high school.

Executive Summary

In the years following the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, all kinds of teaching materials and pedagogical advice have been produced to help teachers incorporate Indigenous perspectives in their classrooms. However, without endorsement by provincial curricula, these resources have had limited impact. If education is to support reconciliation and effectively integrate Indigenous learners, it will require reforms that go beyond the production of new teaching materials. Curriculum reform has to drive change.

To better understand the state of science curriculum reform across Canada, we scanned Canadian K–12 science curriculum for references to Indigenous perspectives, and talked with a range of experts involved with science educational renewal.

Curriculum and Reconciliation: Introducing Indigenous Perspectives into K–12 Science briefly and visually outlines the landscape of school science curricula across the country. Several jurisdictions integrate Indigenous content, perspectives, and ways of knowing, while others have yet to include references to Indigenous perspectives.

Related Research

Bread field harvesting
Research

Technology and Agriculture: Adoption and Barriers

  • December 2025
  • Diversity Institute
Without explicit educational support, small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and diverse-owned agribusiness may be left out of the AgTech revolution. Skills-based supports are needed to maintain market competitiveness and ensure technology literacy and adoption issues are equalized—not accentuated—among groups.
2 Related Reports
Two farmers examining soy crops
Research

Supporting Rural Agriculture Entrepreneurship: Reframing the Discourse

  • December 2025
  • Diversity Institute
This research examined how agriculture sector stereotypes impair the growth and sustainability of the sector. Rural agriculture entrepreneurs face several challenges more than traditional businesses.
2 Related Reports
Worker checks a car during factory assembly
Research

Learning from Place-Based Approaches on the Road to Net Zero : International Lessons in Skills Training and Workforce Development

  • December 2025
  • Institute for Research and Public Policy (IRPP)
Global and Canadian efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift away from fossil fuels have created a central policy question: How can workers, sectors and regions adapt and develop the skills needed for a low-carbon future?
1 Related Reports
View all Research