School divisions from across the province will be able to offer high school courses in Indigenous languages.

The province announced that courses will be offered in Dene, Nakawe and Michif at the 10, 20 and 30 levels for the 2019-20 school year. Cree has also been available for schools. The Dene, Nakawe and Michif courses were previously available through locally developed courses throughout the province’s school divisions.

A media release from the government said the initiative is aimed to meet the calls to action through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“We recognize that incorporating Indigenous language, culture and perspectives are foundational to the engagement and success of First Nations and Métis students,” said education minister Gordon Wyant.

“This renewed effort to acknowledge the significance of Indigenous languages and expand learning opportunities is an important step in creating inclusive learning environments for students and a meaningful step toward reconciliation in Saskatchewan,” said Treaty Commisioner Mary Culbertson.

The courses can begin as early as this fall.