GUELPH – Across the province of Ontario, schools will be promoting Treaty Recognition Week from Nov. 2 to 7 as an opportunity for learning about treaties and treaty relationships.
Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) students and staff will also acknowledge the contributions and legacy of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada.
In preparation, educators had the opportunity to participate in the series Anti-Racist Educator Reads Marie Battiste’s Decolonizing Education.
Over 50 participants listened to this podcast on VoicEd.ca every Wednesday evening in October, engaging in a simultaneous online chat as it was broadcast, followed by a virtual meeting with Nick Bertrand, Ministry of Education Officer in Indigenous Education to address their questions and to give suggestions on best practices.
On Nov. 5, students in Grade 7 to 12 and staff across the WCDSB will have the opportunity to watch a presentation by Maurice Switzer, Commissioner on the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation.
He has served as the director of communications for both the Assembly of First Nations and the Union of Ontario Indians.
Switzer was also the first Indigenous publisher of a daily newspaper in Canada and currently resides in North Bay.
Students and staff across WCDSB have received a number of print and virtual resources to support learning about Treaties Recognition Week and ongoing learning about First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage.
“We are aware that Indigenous peoples, and others are experiencing anti-Indigenous sentiment and racism throughout our nation,” said Tyrone Dowling superintendent of education responsible for equity and inclusion
“As we seek to gain more knowledge we can and will take steps during this month, and beyond, to become aware of the treaties that impact our community.”
Days of Importance:
– Treaties Recognition Week will be celebrated Nov. 2 to 7. Resources have been provided to elementary and secondary schools to educate students about the importance of treaties and how they have helped to shape the province of Ontario;
– Louis Riel Day, Nov. 16. Louis Riel was a great Métis leader who helped his people form a government and become part of the newly created Dominion of Canada in 1870;
– Inuit Day, Nov. 6. On this day we recognize the cultures, histories, contemporary contexts and rich contributions of Inuit peoples in our community and across the country;
– National Aboriginal Veterans Day, Nov. 8. This is a memorial day observed in Canada in recognition of Aboriginal contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
WCDSB encourages voluntary self-identification of students and families of First Nation, Métis or Inuit ancestry.
The self-identification process is a confidential and voluntary process that is meant to provide access to a variety of cultural programming, as well as opportunities for funding and supports for post-secondary programs.
To begin the self-identification process speak to the school principal or learn more at Indigenous Education at wellingtoncdsb.ca.
