Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board » Programs » First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education
Making Good Tracks in First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education at our Board (K-12)
In 2008, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board launched an award-winning approach to a provincial strategy involving 72 school districts. The strategy includes "initiatives that support learning and achievement for Aboriginal students. It also helps raise awareness about First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and perspectives among all students in all Ontario classrooms."
- Ministry of Education (www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal)
Since 2008, the Community Member's Speak consultation report has helped guide our work
under four main areas related to First Nation, Métis and Inuit education: Using Data to Support Student Achievement; Supporting Students; Supporting Educators and; Building Knowledge and Awareness. In addition to a Program Manager to help with the design and implementation of board-wide initiatives, a Student Success Strategist has been added as a direct support to students in schools as part of a team approach.
A Monumental Time in Our Shared History: A Time of Healing, Hope and
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada released a final report marking a monumental time in our shared history. The court ordered commission was a result of the residential school experience and served to shed light on a dark time in Canadian history referred to as cultural genocide. The significance of this report is that it raises awareness about historic and inter-generational trauma that continues to impact families and communities. The TRC Calls to Action outlines 94 recommendations and calls upon provincial school boards to ensure culturally safe, respectful, inclusive and welcoming learning environments as a foundation for First Nation, Métis and Inuit student well-being and achievement.
In the spring of 2016, the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops issued a response to the TRC report to express their support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. The Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops affirms that "its spirit can point a way forward to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada." - Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops (www.cccb.ca/trc)
Every student in our Board will have a copy of our Voluntary Self-Identification Brochure.
If you have questions or comments, please email Linda McGregor at lmcgregor@smcdsb.on.ca, Manager of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education .