The SCDSB is committed to creating a culture of belonging for all students and staff. The SCDSB values inclusive learning and working environments that promote the principles of acceptance. To support these commitments, all schools and worksites in the SCDSB will raise the Progressive Pride Flag and the SCDSB Indigenous Education department flag at specific times during the month of June to align with Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month, and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
As per Policy 2199 - Flag Protocol, 3.2 ‘Upon the direction of the Director of Education, or designate, a single flag, other than the National Flag of Canada may be raised for a specific time to recognize an event, occasion or period of significance’.
The following expectations are in place for all SCDSB schools and facilities during the month of June:
- In recognition of Pride Month, the Progressive Pride Flag will be flown from the start of the day on Monday, June 9 to the end of the day on Friday, June 13.
- The National Flag of Canada will fly from the end of the day on Friday, June 13 to the end of day on Friday, June 20.
- In recognition of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), the SCDSB Indigenous Education department flag will be flown from the end of the day on Friday, June 20 to the end of the day on Friday, June 27.
- The National Flag of Canada will fly from the end of day on June 27 onwards.
The SCDSB Indigenous Education department flag was created by Indigenous members of the SCDSB’s Indigenous Education department in collaboration with local Indigenous community members. The flag represents the rich cultures and contributions of diverse Indigenous Peoples in Simcoe County and includes symbols such as:
- the Medicine Wheel to signify First Nation communities
- the Infinity symbol to represent citizens of the Métis Nation
- the Inukshuk to symbolize Inuit communities
Surrounding these symbols is sweetgrass, signifying unity and respect among Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about the SCDSB Indigenous Education department flag.