Setting the Conditions for Reconciliation in 2024

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) Indigenous Education Department has been dedicated to providing opportunities that demonstrate meaningful learning and connected communities that prioritize health and wellness. In September, elementary and secondary staff participated in Orange Shirt Day professional learning sessions to support age-appropriate meaningful learning about residential and day schools and their ongoing legacies. Job embedded and professional learning opportunities related to Indigenous Education continue to be shared across all subject areas including: social sciences, geography, history, language and literacy programming, numeracy, French, and food and nutrition courses. Upcoming collaborations include K-12 arts courses, secondary physical education, and secondary business and technology courses. The DDSB Indigenous Education Department continues to support Indigenous students and families through the dedicated work of team members working in engagement and specialized education. Access to innovative and credit-bearing programming actualizes a commitment to Indigenous student success and access to graduation.

 

Leading up to Treaties Recognition Week, Chief Kelly LaRocca, from Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, participated in an evening speaking session where she emphasized where hope lives in education for Truth and Reconciliation. A key portion of her presentation centred on the importance of reconnecting students and educators to land and land-based learning experiences. Tom Cowie, from Hiawatha First Nation, visited with self-identified Indigenous students and families, as well as with students at Port Perry High School, to discuss Michi Saagiig history, the Williams Treaties, and the importance of Indigenous governance systems and consultation processes related to land, water, and ethical conduct for a shared future. Elementary and secondary educators had the privilege of listening to Roger Daybutch (Mississauga First Nation)  and Dean Sayers (Batchewana First Nation), as they detailed nation to nation Treaties making processes, pre-contact to current day, with a focus on the Robinson Huron Treaty litigation process. Dr. Nicole Bell (Kitigan Zibi First Nation) supported two full sessions of elementary and secondary educators about understanding cultural appropriation and how to embed Indigenous content into classrooms in relevant and respectful ways. Dr. Pam Palmater spent a half day with system leaders and administrators to support understanding and commitments to upholding Indigenous Rights.

 

Self-identified Indigenous students continue to gather for a variety of cultural continuity opportunities both in their schools and at outdoor environmental education centres. Elders Tammy and Bernard Nelson (Nippissing First Nation and Eabamtoong First Nation) have been supporting many Indigenous Student Circles in the district. Pilot program, Akinomaagaaye Akinomooshin, co-facilitated by Beedahbin Peltier (Wikwemikong First Nation), is a land sciences program where students connect with traditional forms of heath and wellness. Indigenous students participated in three Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program sessions (at Ajax H.S., GL Roberts CVI, Pine Ridge SS, and at Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation). Students and families have toured York University, including a football game hosted by Brandon Davies-Lyons (captain) and alumni from Eastdale CVI, Durham College, Ontario Tech University, and University of Toronto. Students and families are looking forward to participating in an evening with hoop dancer Beany John: My Two-Spirited Journey. Beginning in January, students and families will have the opportunity to participate in the Salmon Revitalization Project in partnership with OFAH hosted at Duffin’s Creek Outdoor Environmental Education Centre.