Together, the Government of Yukon and First Nation School Board take this moment to hold up the educators and school community in Dakwäkäda where Food Sovereignty 12, an enriching and empowering locally developed high school curricula, has been approved by the Minister of Education, the Chairs of the First Nation School Board and the St. Elias Community School Community Committee.
The goal of Food Sovereignty 12 is to deepen students' comprehension of the food chain and its significant influence on the availability, cost and accessibility of produce, especially in northern regions grappling with challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, access to First Nations traditional harvesting areas, reliance on food imports and limited local food production.
Through an examination of the principles of food sovereignty, global economics and climate change considerations, the course endeavours to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed to tackle food insecurity and advocate for sustainable, First Nations inclusive, community-driven solutions for long-term food provision.
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St. Elias Community School is one of 11 public schools operated and managed by the First Nation School Board in the Yukon.
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These schools are for all Yukon students and teachers. They aim to promote reconciliation by enhancing a Yukon First Nations model that puts the student first, through a strengths-based, community-centred approach.
Together, educators Albert Oriol Surroca and Kàłx'òkw Leger combined local, historical and scientific knowledge with an experiential approach, to develop a cohesive and connective study of food systems and community health. Spanning diverse curricular competencies including economics and transportation, First Nations empowerment and resilience and ecological studies, the 100-120 hours of instruction engage Grade 12 learners in the important work of climate change and food security. Once completed, learners earn a total of four high school credits.
