Newfoundland destroys textbooks with inaccurate information about Indigenous people
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2025 (299 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Education officials in Newfoundland and Labrador recently ordered the destruction of thousands of textbooks because they contained inaccurate information about the province’s Indigenous population.
The move came after the government’s Indigenous education advisory committee decided the books “did not accurately reflect the cultural reality” of the province.
The Education Department says the committee found that the books erroneously stated that Turtle Island — a name for the North American continent used by some Indigenous people — is a creation story that applies to all Indigenous people.
As well, the committee found that the books incorrectly said that all Indigenous people are exempt from paying taxes or paying for a university education.
The books, used by French immersion students, included stereotypical references to Indigenous eating habits, and incorrectly claimed that all Indigenous communities have clan systems.
The department did not say how many books were destroyed or when the decision was made to shred them.
It said it’s not unusual for the department to ask schools to dispose of resources that are outdated or no longer suitable.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2025.