Indigenous Education

Aaniin, Allo, Tunngasugitsi!

The Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Indigenous Education department is guided and mentored by the Elders from Rama First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, and the Simcoe community which includes the Pre-Confederation Treaties 5, 16, and 18, the Williams Treaty, and John Collins’ Purchase.

Today, the SCDSB recognizes and respects a distinctions-based approach to honour each Indigenous identity individually while understanding that people of many nations call Simcoe County home.

The Indigenous Education department provides supports to Indigenous students for their mental health, well-being, sense of belonging, education transitions, attendance, and special education needs. In addition to direct and individualized supports, the department also provides opportunities for all SCDSB students and staff to develop a greater understanding of the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in our communities and across Canada.

There are over 35 staff in various roles in the Indigenous Education department who provide system-learning opportunities and direct support to students and educators.

Self-identification
Parents/guardians of Indigenous students, or anyone over age 18, can make the choice to self-identify. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential, and helps schools support the needs of Indigenous students and track their achievement. Student achievement and other data is collected and used to help improve student success. Learn more about self-identification.

Attendance counsellor
The attendance counsellor for Indigenous students is responsible for supporting student attendance at school using advocacy, and for the enforcement of compulsory school attendance as mandated by the Education Act. This role contributes to the development and implementation of proactive plans for students and their families identified as needing attendance support.

Graduation coaches
Graduation coaches for Indigenous students are responsible for providing support to Indigenous students (Grade 7 and above) and their families with the goal of helping each student earn credits towards graduation. They also support student transitions from elementary to secondary school and into their chosen post-secondary pathway.

Student advisors
Student advisors are responsible for providing support to Indigenous students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) and their families with the goal of enhancing cultural connections, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

Special education consultant
The special education consultant works with school staff and families to support Indigenous students with special education needs.

Ojibwe as a Second Language Teachers (OSL)
The Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language teachers work directly with students to support Indigenous language and cultural learning.

Indigenous social workers
Indigenous social workers provide support to Indigenous students related to mental health and connecting families with community organizations.

Itinerant resource teachers
Itinerant resource teachers are responsible for providing support to administrators and educators in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework (2007), and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Educators. This is achieved by providing resources, co-planning and teaching, and liaising with guest speakers and Elders to support Indigenous education in schools and classrooms.

Indigenous Lodges and dedicated spaces
The SCDSB is committed to the creation of Indigenous-specific spaces, known as “Indigenous Lodges”, within our schools. These Lodges are within specific schools and provide a dedicated environment where Indigenous Education support staff can meet with students. They serve as vital spaces for studying, making connections with other Indigenous students, and seeking support from Indigenous Education staff, including Student Advisors, Graduation Coaches, and Student Success Teachers. Our team works to support First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students in both elementary and secondary schools. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, Indigenous Lodges help ensure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Unique secondary course offerings
The Ministry of Education document Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework outlines in the vision statement the importance that “all students in Ontario will have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Métis, and Inuit traditions, cultures, and perspectives”.

Grade 11 English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices - NBE3U/NBE3C/NBE3E
The SCDSB offers English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices as the compulsory Grade 11 English course for all students. Outlined in the Ministry of Ontario curriculum document for English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices it states, these courses “explore diverse knowledge, world views, and aspirations that shape the actions of  First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities in Canada”, and also “explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also examines the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures”.

Grade 9 Exploring Canadian Geography - CGC1W
As outlined in the Ministry of Ontario curriculum document for Exploring Canadian Geography, “students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives”. Utilizing Indigenous ways of knowing and teaching, experiential land-based learning, geographic inquiry, and geographic thinking skills, educators will strive to make connections between natural and human systems, while reinforcing spatial significance and geographic perspectives. Working in collaboration with Indigenous Leaders, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, the SCDSB has designed units of study based and the deep connection to the four elements of Land, Air, Water, and Fire. The SCDSB aims to respect and incorporate Indigenous perspectives into curriculum that addresses the diverse needs of learners in today's world.

Land-Based Reach Ahead Summer Grade 9 Geography
The Land-Based Reach Ahead Summer Geography credit is offered to interested Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 who self-identify as Indigenous. In collaboration with Beausoleil First Nation and Rama First Nation, the geography learning opportunity is based on the land and incorporates traditional Indigenous Knowledge from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Holders, and Sharers. 

Additionally, SCDSB schools have different offerings from the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies curriculum courses.

Indigenous days of recognition
Learn about the commemorative days, weeks, and months that celebrate Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.

SCDSB Indigenous Education icon

The SCDSB Indigenous Education icon was developed in collaboration with local Indigenous community members to represent the rich and diverse Indigenous nations within our schools and wider communities. On this icon, you will see the Medicine Wheel, also known as the Four Directions Wheel. The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the First Nation communities and Knowledge Keepers who have lived in this region since time immemorial. Next to the Medicine Wheel is the Infinity Symbol. The Infinity Symbol represents the Métis Nation and its enduring culture and history in this area. The Inukshuk represents Inuit students and families who call Simcoe County home. All three motifs are surrounded by sweetgrass, which signifies the unity and mutual respect among Indigenous nations.

SCDSB Indigenous Education flag

In recognition of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Indigenous Education flag will be flown at all schools within the SCDSB for one week in June. The flag symbolizes the heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Simcoe County.