A member of the Qalipu First Nation is applauding efforts to Indigenize the school curriculum.

A memorandum of understanding was recently signed with the Partners Department of Education, NLESD, Indigenous Services Canada and the Qalipu First Nation to Indigenize the curriculum at a school where more than half of the students claim Indigenous heritage.

Kristen Pittman, manager of education and training with Qalipu First Nations was instrumental in bringing forward the MOU. She says she made sure that her 6-year-old daughter was aware of the family’s heritage.

Pittman says that when raising a child, you want to fill your home with culture. She goes on to say that smudging is a regular practice in her home, and Indigenous books outnumber mainstream non-indigenous books.

Pittman’s daughter noticed that Indigenous culture was not represented in her Kindergarten class, despite the fact that around 50 per cent of her school are Indigenous.

Pittman says it can play a massive part in developing self-identity at a young age.

She says that her daughter doesn’t see herself represented, so the thinks she is different. In schools, most of the children just want to fit in.