John Abbott College looking to support Indigenous students as Bill 96 fight rages on – The Hamilton Spectator
Sept. 19, 2024
By Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Iori:wase
VJohn Abbott College is doing its best to support Indigenous students as the requirements of Bill 96 have fallen on English CEGEPs across the province, but the fight against the law is continues to rage on, John Abbott College’s Dean of Indigenous Education said.
“We’re still fighting for an exemption, because it’s simply the right ting to do,” said Kim Tekakwitha Martin. “Indigenous students should not have to be burdened with learning a third language and frankly, it feels like the government is trying to further marginalize our languages and culture. Indigenous students’ grasp of French is not a problem for French in the province.”
Bill 96 mandates that students at English CEGEPs complete three program courses in French or three French second-language courses and pass a French exit exam to earn their Diplome des Etudes Collegials (DEC).
