ONTARIO is helping students to understand Canada’s diverse history and people with the development of new resources on Sikh history and heritage.

Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister of Education, joined by Harinder Malhi, MPP for Brampton-Springdale and Minister of the Status of Women, was at Sandalwood Heights Secondary School in Brampton on Friday to make the announcement.

The new voluntary curriculum-linked resource, developed in partnership with the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, will support learning in a variety of subjects and courses for elementary and secondary students, covering topics such as:

• Sikh celebrations in Canada and diverse viewpoints on maintaining cultural practices
• Sikh perspectives on global warming and climate change
• The history of Sikh pioneers in Canada and human rights

These tools will provide all students with the opportunity to embrace Canada’s history and diversity, further develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, and increase their understanding of global issues.

Quick Facts:

• These voluntary curriculum-linked resources are being developed by the following four subject associations: The Ontario Elementary Social Studies Teachers Association, The Ontario Art Education Association, The Ontario Association of Geographic and Environmental Educators, and The Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada.
• The resources will be distributed through the subject associations’ networks in spring 2018.
• The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada is located in Mississauga, Ontario, and is a Canadian organization celebrating the unique history, culture and legacy of Sikh Canadians. It is dedicated to advancing and promoting knowledge, understanding and preservation of the cultural and religious life of Sikh people in Canada through quality museum exhibits, lectures and special programs.
• Ontario designated April as Sikh Heritage Month in 2013.