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Montreal, May 23, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) supports the B.C. Teachers' Federation’s recommendation to include the Nakba and Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories in the British Columbia curriculum. Acknowledging the Nakba and the suffering of the Palestinian people corrects a significant historical omission, addressing anti-Palestinian racism (APR) that manipulates historical narratives and perpetuates Palestinian victimhood.

“The Teacher’s Federation’s motion to teach about the Nakba and Palestinian oppression counters the false narrative that such education would spread hatred; it's actually a step towards recognizing Palestinian rights and history,” said Jamila Ewais, a researcher for the ARPCF. Education on this topic promotes historical accuracy and fosters understanding and diversity, contrasting sharply with the damaging implications of ignoring such significant events. This approach not only educates about a major geopolitical issue but also respects the rights of the Palestinian people to have their history and ongoing struggles acknowledged. Moreover, adding the issue of Palestine to the curriculum instead of ignoring it can foster a better and more prepared learning environment for discussing this topic. Tara Ehrcke, from Teachers 4 Palestine, explains, “If something is included in the curriculum, that means teachers would receive education on this topic and be better equipped to have that discussion with students.”

By endorsing the Teachers' Federation recommendation on the inclusion of the Nakba and the occupation in the curriculum, the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care takes a step forward in implementing its curriculum guidelines that emphasize a comprehensive educational framework. This framework includes global citizenship, engagement with social and political issues worldwide, acknowledgment of historical wrongs, and an understanding of Canada’s own domestic and global social and political climate, including aspects of settler colonialism and social justice.

The ARPCF applauds this initiative, recognizing that a curriculum that omits the Nakba deprives them of the opportunity to engage with the complex realities of the world. Incorporating the Nakba and the challenges faced by the Palestinian people is essential for educating future generations, equipping them with the knowledge and empathy necessary to navigate and rectify past and present injustices.

About the ARPCF – The mandate of the Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is to create public awareness about racism in Canada.  This mandate falls in line with the Foundation’s broader purpose of monitoring and combating manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination by increasing public awareness of such biases.

For more information, please contact Jamila Ewais, 514-389-8668
ARPCF, [email protected]  www.cjpmefoundation.org

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