The beginning of April marks the start of Aboriginal Education Awareness Month at the Halton Catholic District School Board. A number of events that honour the contributions and the legacy of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people have been planned in schools across the Board throughout the month of April.
“It is an ongoing goal and a strategic commitment of the Halton Catholic District School Board to ensure that the diversity of our students is reflected in the curriculum, and in the teaching and learning that goes on within and beyond our classrooms,” says Jack Nigro, Superintendent of Education (Curriculum Services). “Aboriginal Education Awareness Month provides a fantastic opportunity to engage our students and staff with the shared histories, cultures, and perspectives of the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada.”
One of the Board’s priorities for the month will be to promote voluntary and confidential self-identification of students and families of aboriginal descent.
“Aboriginal Student Self-identification provides the opportunity for students and families to identify as having First Nation, Métis, or Inuit ancestry,” comments Sherry Saevil, Aboriginal Liaison for the Halton Catholic District School Board. “By self-identifying, students and their families will have access to a variety of Board and school-sponsored cultural programming, as well as funding support opportunities for Aboriginal students that are specific to post-secondary programs.”
In partnership with the Halton District School Board, a series of regional ‘Self-Identification Open Houses’ will be held at school locations across Halton. The following sessions will be hosted in Halton Catholic schools:
April 9th 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
St. Raphael Catholic Elementary School
4056 New Street, Burlington L7L 1S9
April 30th 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School
1145 Bronte St S, Milton, ON L9T 7K6
All First Nation, Métis, or Inuit students, who are 18 years of age or older have the right to self-identify. For students under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must self-identify on behalf of the student. The self-identification process is entirely voluntary and confidential. No proof of ancestry is required.
For more information on the activities and events scheduled across Halton Catholic schools in honour and celebration of Aboriginal Education Awareness Month, visit the Board’s website at www.hcdsb.org.