LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Teaching Treaties in the Classroom

I was the Minister of Learning when the NDP government of the day introduced Teaching Treaties in the Classroom. This groundbreaking, innovative concept uses modules specifically designed for grades K-12, each grade getting material suitable for their age.

Developing the modules was a collaborative effort by First Nations, teachers and government, led by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

The modules were prepared to teach children we are all treaty people. Unfortunately the recent comments from the Minister of Education show no understanding of the positive impact teaching about treaties using these modules will have.

I imagine Minister Bronwyn Eyre’s colleagues, past and present, are embarrassed by her lack of knowledge and commitment to the Treaties in the Classroom program. June Draude (Sask. Party MLA Kelvington-Wadena) when she was Minister of Education made Teaching Treaties in the Classroom mandatory. The premier, deputy premier and many more of Eyre’s colleagues have supported the program.

Ms. Eyre should be quickly removed as Minister of Education. She has demonstrated a complete lack of leadership for the progressive and innovative education ministry. She has shown by her words how much work needs to be done to defeat racism.

Judy Junor, Saskatoon