What has changed?
We have revised the wording found within OurSCHOOL from Aboriginal to Indigenous to more accurately and inclusively reflect this demographic.
Why the change?
Indigenous is a broad term that encompasses Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and better reflects the terminology used within Canada.
There is a general trend in Canada towards usage of the term, including agencies within the Government of Canada such as Statistics Canada and Indigenous Services Canada. The governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island currently use Indigenous.
The updated OurSCHOOL wording was informed by investigations into current practices across Canada, and discussions and consultation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples.
What does this mean for you?
If you include the Indigenous status item on your survey, students will see the following updated questions:
| Original | Revised | |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary |
Are you an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit? a) Yes |
Are you an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit? a) Yes |
| Secondary |
Do you consider yourself to be an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit? a) Yes |
Do you consider yourself to be an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit? a) Yes |
This update also affects specific response options within the OurSCHOOL Bullying and Exclusion measure. For further information, please email us at support@thelearningbar.com.