Thursday, Feb. 17. 2022
NNDSB committed to Indigenous Education in schools
At Near North District School Board (NNDSB) our approach in supporting Indigenous Education priorities and initiatives focuses on equitable outcomes for learners.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission made 94 calls to action; 12 of them involve education. Specifically, we are called to action in education on numbers 62 and 63. This includes all students having diverse learning opportunities to gain understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit language, history, culture and perspectives throughout all curriculum areas.
Annually, a board action plan is developed alongside of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle. We implement this plan through four pillars: supporting students; supporting teachers; awareness and engagement; and using data to support student achievement.
Through this lens, we are able to target resources and support ways that promote student success, engagement and well-being.
Learners are offered various opportunities throughout the curriculum including First Nation, Métis and Inuit studies and Anishinaabemowin courses. This is vitally important in the board’s reconciliation efforts; staff and students need to be aware of Indigenous perspectives, ways of knowing and the history of the lands now known as Canada.
This year, in support of building this capacity for all staff, NNDSB has purchased a license for an unlimited number of learners to participate in 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, which is a 2.5-hour online session supporting cultural competency learning. The Indigenous Education team has set a goal of 70 per cent staff completion by December 2022.
This learning is meaningfully connected as we acknowledge our responsibilities to the TRC calls to action in education. We strive towards excellence in relationship building in recognition of our need to be continuous learners alongside of community and partners in Indigenous Education.
The Indigenous Youth Circle appointed Allen Lewis as Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2021-2022 school year at the Board’s January 2022 meeting. This role ensures student voice from the Indigenous Youth Circle is represented at Board meetings.
news about Indigenous Education at NNDSB will be forthcoming. Our Indigenous Education Team is working in partnership with staff, students and community partners to plan for the 2022-2023 school year.
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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
