A new Upper Grand District School Board policy is committed to promote and protect Indigenous education.
On Tuesday, the board approved Policy 519 Indigenous Education which states that the UGDSB acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are distinct from other equity-seeking groups in that they are self-determining nations with inherent rights, laws, and institutions.
“It is the goal of the UGDSB to ensure that Indigenous staff and students are not deprived of their rights, and are provided with a learning and working environment that is free from racism and discrimination of any kind,” read a press release by the UGDSB.
Through the new policy, the board responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action by addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism and protecting Indigenous Peoples’ right to education as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Through the new policy, The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Council (FNMIEC) will meet to advise on matters that pertain to Indigenous education and Indigenous students. The council may also provide guidance, support, education and consultation to Indigenous staff throughout the board.
The board will also ensure educational resources reflect a balance of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and positive Indigenous role models in a variety of subject areas.
The UGDSB will embed Indigenous content across the curriculum by consulting, collaborating and co-developing with the FNMIEC and the UGDSB Indigenous education lead concerning Indigenous education initiatives.
The UGDSB will also create an Indigenous Student Voice Committee which meets regularly. A member from the Indigenous Student Voice Committee will also sit on the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Council.
Until now, the board had no formal process for staff to self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Through the new policy, students and families will have the option to self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit through a confidential and voluntary process.
Policy 519 was developed in collaboration with the Indigenous community partners who sit on the UGDSB First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Council. It is the result of years of conversations on how a school board can both promote and protect Indigenous education.
“This policy is important to Indigenous Peoples, students, parents, staff, school councils, and community members because everyone has a responsibility to ensure Indigenous Peoples are not deprived of their rights and are provided with a learning and working environment that is free from racism and discrimination of any kind,” read a press release by the UGDSB.
