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Indigenous Education

Land Acknowledgement for the LDCSB

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territory upon which we gather. For hundreds of years before we stand here today, the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron, Huron-Wendat and Lenape Indigenous peoples have sought to walk gently on this land.  They offered assistance to the first European travelers to this territory and shared their knowledge for survival in what was at times a harsh climate. Today, we acknowledge our three local communities of Munsee-Delaware, Chippewas of the Thames and Oneida First Nations.  This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, including Treaty 6, the London Township Treaty. The London District Catholic School Board seeks a new relationship with the Indigenous People of this land, a relationship with our neighbours based on honour and deep respect.

We move forward with joy and without fear

 

"Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain — we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is Just and and it also necessary." Chief Justice Murray Sinclair, head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as cited from MacLean's Magazine.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the London District Catholic School Board's Indigenous Lead, Tammy Denomme, at tdenomme@ldcsb.ca or 519-663-2088 x42200.​​​​

The revised curriculum (Social Studies Grades 4, 5, and 6; History Grades 7, 8, and 10) has been completed. Follow this link to see the completed elementary revisions and this link to see the completed secondary revisions.

Mandate 1

We are committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 62 and 63. In this we are fully supported by the Catholic Church. To cite the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in their Letter to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada: "For our part, through the participation of Catholic Bishops and faithful in the TRC process and from our ongoing relations with Indigenous Peoples, we have heard your invitation to engage honestly and courageously with the past, to acknowledge the failings of members of the Catholic Church, and to take active steps of solidarity with Indigenous Peoples towards a better future. To this, with the strong encouragement of Pope Francis, we pledge our commitment."

Mandate 2

We are committed to the well being and success of Indigenous students within the London District Catholic School Board. We stand behind the Government of Ontario's commitment to Indigenous students in the province:  "The Ministry of Education is committed to improving Indigenous education in Ontario, improving student achievement and well-being, and closing the achievement gap between Indigenous students and all students."

Students can self-identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit when they complete a "Student Registration Form" upon entry into the London District Catholic School Board or upon moving schools. If a student wishes to self-identify after they have already registered, their parent should simply contact the school at any time to change their registration status to First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. Brochures are available in all of the schools to explain this process.

Mandate 3

We are committed to implementing the revised curriculum for Social Studies Grades 4, 5, and 6 and History Grades 7 and 8 and History Grade 10. Follow this link to see the pre-publication revisions to these curriculums.  The changes are highlighted. Through this new curriculum, the London District Catholic School Board aims to develop pride and awareness of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit history and cultures for all students in our system.

"Education is one of the keys to reconciliation, said [Chief Justice Murray] Sinclair, who likes the changes he has seen so far at elementary and high schools." -Carleton University Newsroom

Teachers are encouraged to login to "MyLDCSB" and go to "Learning Services" then "Curriculum", and then "Indigenous Education" to find resources to help implement the new curriculum. Alternatively, teachers can simply type "Indigenous Education" into the "search" bar on "MyLDCSB" to get to the same location.

Orange Shirt Day is a national day of recognition in which all Canadians remember the tragedy of residential schools in Canada. You can find the story of how it all began at www.orangeshirtday.org. ​
The importance of Orange Shirt Day is growing. In fact, this year, the federal Liberals debated making Orange Shirt Day a new statutory holiday.
 
In 2018, the Canadian Coalition of Catholic Bishops issued a letter explaining the commitment of our church to Reconciliation and Truth. Here is an excerpt from that letter:
 
"As Catholic Bishops of Canada, we see our relationship with Indigenous Peoples as a major pastoral priority. In recent years, we have seen many examples of healing and reconciliation and we are committed to building on these efforts, working in close partnership with one another and learning to walk together. We also wish to reflect on our relationships with you, some of which go back centuries, and our responsibilities to foster long-term constructive engagement. We look forward to a future where systemic injustices are meaningfully addressed, where we all discover new ways of living together through which the First Peoples of this land are honoured and respected."
 
You can read the full letter here.
 
Students within the LDCSB are asked to wear orange t-shirts to commemorate Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30th. Teachers also may choose to do further, age-appropriate activities with their students to honour this important Canadian day.
Treaties Recognition Week was celebrated from November 4-8, 2019. The London District Catholic School Board celebrated Treaties Recognition Week with various activities throughout our elementary and secondary schools. Students heard and discussed the LDCSB's land acknowledgement, which can be found at the top of the page.
 
Every Ontarian can learn more about the treaties in their area by visiting this ontario.ca/treaties.
 
During this important week, we hold closely in our minds and hearts the three local First Nations:
  1. Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
  2. Oneida Nation of the Thames
  3. Munsee Delaware Nation.