Alberta Launches Mandatory Indigenous History Curriculum for All Grades
The new curriculum, developed with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, takes effect in September 2026.
Alberta Education has announced a new mandatory Indigenous history and perspectives curriculum that will be taught at every grade level beginning in September 2026, marking the province’s most comprehensive response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s education-related Calls to Action.
The Curriculum
Developed over three years in partnership with Treaty 6, 7, and 8 First Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and Inuit organizations, the curriculum covers pre-contact Indigenous history, the treaty relationship, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, the Indian Act, and contemporary Indigenous governance, culture, and contributions.
“This is not an add-on. This is core curriculum,” said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides. “Every Alberta student will graduate with a meaningful understanding of Indigenous history and the treaty relationship that defines this province.”
Community Response
Indigenous leaders cautiously welcomed the announcement, noting that the quality of implementation will be critical.
“A curriculum is only as good as the teachers who deliver it,” said Maskwacis Education Schools Commission director Terri Chicken Chief. “We need proper training, resources, and ongoing partnership with our communities to ensure this is done right.”
Teacher Preparation
The government has allocated $15 million for teacher professional development, including summer institutes, Elder-in-classroom programs, and partnerships with Indigenous education centres at Alberta universities. All teachers will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Indigenous education training before the curriculum launch.
Residential school survivor and Elder Joseph Chicken Chief, who advised on the curriculum’s residential school component, said seeing his story in Alberta classrooms brings a measure of healing.
“For decades, our history was erased from the classroom. Now our grandchildren will learn the truth. That matters more than I can say.”