Indigenous Education
Welcome to Indigenous Education
Mino Bimaadiziwin – Good Life (Anishnaabemowin – Ojibway Language, Martina Osawamick, Odawa, Beaver Clan, Wikwemikong Unceded Territory)
Wa'tkwanonhwerá:ton – I to all of you am sending greetings, love and respect, in a balanced way from my consciousness to yours, with deepest heartfelt emotion, expressed audibly. (Kanyen'keha – Mohawk Language, Tehahenteh, Mohawk, Six Nations, turtle clan).
“We come from truth holder and truth tellers. We come from the villages of our Ancestors. We represet the new village. As we walk forward to a brighter future knowing our collective potential, we know that we can do anything. We will find the protection of Peace at the base of that white pine tree. Our homes will be strengthened and protected, Our minds will be straight like smoke that rises. We are still here, We will always be here.” - E. Doxtater
Our Work
At HWDSB, we are honoured to work with community partners to meet the needs of Indigenous students. HWDSB is committed to advancing Indigenous Education through the implementation of the Indigenous Education Policy, the Indigenous Education Circle Strategic Action Plan (IECSAP), the Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness Framework, and the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. We strive to weave Indigenous perspectives into curriculum for all students, as well as support the achievement of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.
View the Indigenous Education Policy below:
View the Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness Framework below:
Ontario College of Teachers
View the Indigenous Education Circle Strategic Action Plan
Learn more about the IECSAP here.
Family Fire Speakers Framework
The Family Fire Speakers framework reflects key areas of leadership and support available to schools as we collectively advance Indigenous Educational Wellness and Reconciliation.
Language Family Fire Speaker: Jolene John, Indigenous Education Lead
Support for:
❏ Indigenous language revitalization and reframing the discourse of Indigenous Education and Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness.
❏ Indigenous Education Policy implementation and governance.
❏ Strategic planning alignment with the IECSAP, MYSP, TRC Calls to Action, and UNDRIP.
❏ Indigenous Education leadership consultations.
❏ Board-wide Indigenous Education priorities and initiatives.
Culture Family Fire Speaker: Lyndsy Baillie, System Principal, Restorative Educational LeaderSHIP
Support for:
❏ Culturally relevant and responsive approaches and relationship-based leadership.
❏ Coaching and capacity-building across School and System Leaders.
❏ Accessing Indigenous Education consultants.
❏ Indigenous curriculum, resources, and classroom support.
❏ Building school cultures rooted in belonging, identity affirmation, and reconciliation.
Ceremony Family Fire Speaker: Kristina Zito, System Social Worker, Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness
Support for:
❏ Restorative Indigenous Educational Wellness practices.
❏ Guidance regarding ceremony, cultural protocols, cultural safety, humility, and Indigenous wellness approaches.
❏ Connections to Sacred Ancestral Knowledges, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, wholistic health and wellness supports and relationship-based practices.
❏ Supporting schools in approaching Indigenous learning with respect, humility, and care.
Governance Family Fire Speaker: Sarah Glen, Manager, Re-SEARCH
Support for:
❏ Governance and accountability structures supporting Indigenous Education.
❏ Indigenous Education Policy implementation planning and monitoring.
❏ Data, research, evidence-informed decision making, and continuous improvement processes.
❏ Supporting schools and departments in understanding policy commitments and implementation expectations.
Territory Family Fire Speaker: Rebecca Cove, Manager, CommUNITY Relations
Support for:
❏ Relationships with Indigenous learners, families, communities, staff, Nations, and organizations.
❏ Local Indigenous context, host Nations learning, and community engagement.
❏ Strengthening reciprocal relationships with Indigenous families and partners.
❏ Community protocols and engagement processes.
Contact
IndigenousEducation@hwdsb.on.ca
20 Education Court Hamilton L9A 0B9 (905) 527-5092