News Release
11/5/2017
Aurora, ON – Members of Indigenous communities are sharing their knowledge and perspectives about treaties with students across York Region.
The events are part of Treaties Recognition Week, to highlight the ongoing importance of treaties and treaty relationships in Ontario.
- Councillor Lauri Hoeg from the Chippewas of Georgina Island will be visiting Milliken Mills Secondary School on November 8 to share the story of Georgina Island.
- Maurice Switzer from Alderville First Nation shared his wampum teaching with Curriculum and Instructional Services staff.
- Through the interactive “Dish with One Spoon” story, Chad Solomon from Henvy Inlet First Nation teaches elementary students about the importance of treaty relationships.
- Traditional Inuit athlete Johnny Issaluk demonstrates Inuit games and speaks with students about understanding the Arctic and what it means to be Inuk.
- Dan Shaule from Garden River First Nation teaches students about Indigenous perspectives, treaty rights and land claims.
“We are honoured to welcome Indigenous speakers into our schools to share their knowledge and perspectives on treaties,” said Pamala Agawa, First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Curriculum Coordinator. “Providing staff and students with these learning opportunities will help them gain a deeper understanding of how treaties continue to affect the lives of Indigenous populations in Canada.”
The Board is also providing resources to staff members to support staff members in acknowledging the two treaty areas in which York Region District School Board resides.
Enhancing student learning about treaties is part of the Board’s commitment to increasing accurate understandings of First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories, cultures and perspectives in the spirit of reconciliation.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 177 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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