On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Manitoba government announced a significant initiative to ensure all students in the province learn about the Holocaust as part of their curriculum. The announcement was made by Premier Wab Kinew and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare.
Premier Kinew emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “All students should learn about the Holocaust because we are one Manitoba and cannot be divided by hatred.” He added that 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.
The province has hired dedicated staff and is partnering with the Jewish Heritage Centre to develop new curriculum guidance on Holocaust education. This includes implementation tools, supports, and resources that will be introduced in the 2024-25 school year.
Minister Altomare echoed the Premier’s sentiments, stating, “Antisemitism and divisiveness have no place in our classrooms.” He added that the government is committed to an education system that upholds human rights, fosters understanding and unity, and respects diversity.
The mandatory social studies curriculum for kindergarten to Grade 11 will be renewed in the 2024-25 school year. It 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.
Jeff Lieberman, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, highlighted the importance of Holocaust education, stating, “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 Premier added that 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.
Premier Kinew concluded, “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.”
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