The Pursuit of Educational Justice: A History of Schooling in Canada

Overview

Dr. Karine Duhamel writes that Indigenous People,"have always had distinct educational systems and ways to prepare children and youth to take on the responsibilities of adulthood.” The same holds true for the diverse peoples who have come to share the land we now call Canada. However, prior to the early 19th century, these systems of education rarely included formal schooling. Public education is an institution that precedes the confederation of Canada, and an examination of the history of schooling in Canada can help to shed light on the perspectives and worldviews that have shaped Canadian society. 

The stories that are told in this collection of readings on the history of schooling in Canada highlight the interplay of culture, politics, religion, social ideologies, inequalities, and the aspirations of everyday individuals and communities.  

In this collection of readings, students are invited to explore some of the civic choices and actions that have shaped schooling in Canada. The particular moments featured in this collection invite us to reflect on the ways individuals and communities have defined the purpose of education. The stories teach us about the civic choices everyday individuals and groups made to constantly work toward a just education: one that could prepare children and youth to take on the responsibilities of adulthood and to become positive contributors to Canadian society. 

Guiding Questions

1. How did individuals and communities define and pursue just and equitable public education in Canada?
2. What social, political, economic and ethical ideas have most influenced the development of Canada’s school systems? What do you think are the factors that most impact education today? 
3. What can we learn from the civic choices individuals and communities made in the past that can help us bring about changes today?