Positive Personal and Cultural Identity and the MDI

December 14, 2021

The MDI aligns with the BC Curriculum’s Core Competencies on Positive Personal and Cultural Identity, which “involves the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the factors that contribute to a healthy sense of oneself; it includes knowledge of one’s family background, heritage(s), language(s), beliefs, and perspectives in a pluralistic society.”

The MDI asks children about aspects of personal identity, including home languages and whether they are First Nation, Métis, and/or Inuit, which provides the opportunity to share their communities. Recognizing Indigenous identities and languages through the MDI supports efforts to promote language revitalization and positive cultural identity.

HELP is building a comprehensive list of First Nations, Métis Nation Homeland (including Métis Settlements and historic Métis communities), and Inuit Nunangat communities and all their spoken languages. This list is included in the MDI Instructional Survey to support educators administering the MDI or for general reference. The list is organized by First Nations, Métis Nation Homelands, and Inuit Nunangat communities across provinces and territories, and references self-identified traditional names, spellings and respectful terminology.

HELP’s Aboriginal Steering Committee reflects on the importance of recognizing language and identity for Indigenous children

These lists are part of the ongoing, collective efforts toward change and improving the health and well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and their families. Through guidance of our Aboriginal Steering committee (ASC), we are developing procedures to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit regional and territorial governments who require timely access to data in order to plan, manage and account for investments and outcomes – ultimately, for their children and families’ well-being. We know that like any other government, Indigenous governments need data to provide evidence and information for effectively exercising self-determination and decision-making in order to achieve improved outcomes and serve the needs of their citizens, especially for their children and youth. We invite people to review and contribute to these Indigenous languages and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit lists to keep them current and accurate. Please email us at indigenous.initiatives@help.ubc.ca.