The Manitoba government is ensuring all Manitoba students learn about the Holocaust in the provincial curriculum, Premier Wab Kinew and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
"All students should learn about the Holocaust because we are one Manitoba and cannot be divided by hatred," said Kinew. "Teaching students about the history of antisemitism and the reality of the tragedy of the murder of six million Jewish people is more important than ever. It is part of our commitment to learning the lessons of history and strengthening inclusion in our province."
The province has hired dedicated staff and is partnering with the Jewish Heritage Centre to develop new curriculum guidance on Holocaust education including implementation tools, supports and resources that will be introduced in the 2024-25 school year. This affirms the importance and the need to ensure every student in Manitoba is educated about the impacts of Holocaust, said the premier.
"Antisemitism and divisiveness have no place in our classrooms," said Altomare. "Our government is committed to an education system that upholds human rights and fosters understanding and unity in our province, and that starts in the classroom with a curriculum that teaches history, human rights and respects diversity."
The kindergarten to Grade 11 mandatory social studies curriculum will be renewed in the 2024-25 school year and will focus on increasing learners' understanding of how contemporary antisemitism, racism and inequality issues are entrenched in history and how we can all work towards unity with that knowledge, noted Altomare.
"Holocaust education is crucial not only for remembering the past but for safeguarding our future," said Jeff Lieberman, chief executive officer, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. "By learning about the horrors of the Holocaust, young people in Manitoba will be empowered to stand up against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, ensuring that never again' is a promise kept for all generations."
The Holocaust is of enduring significance to Canadians and the world, imparting invaluable lessons about protecting every individual's human rights and collectively sharing a responsibility for the future, the premier added.
"Together, these actions move us toward our vision for education that, from every part of Manitoba, from every background, all children and youth matter, belong, are respected, successful and safe," said Kinew.
For more information on Manitoba's kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum, visit www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/index.html.
