PDSB CELEBRATES INDIGENOUS HERITAGE MONTH

NUMEROUS LIVE EVENTS AND RESOURCES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO STUDENTS AND STAFF

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is honouring Indigenous Heritage Month during November with numerous events and programming.

Nicole Reynolds, co-ordinator of Indigenous education and member of Peel

Indigenous Network of Employees (PINE), said that schools were provided learning resources around Treaties Recognition Week from Nov. 1 to 7 — schools were invited to sign up for a variety of virtual events put on by Ministry of Indigenous Affairs — as well as International Inuit Day on Nov. 7, Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8, and Louis Riel Day on Nov. 16.

She also noted that the Indigenous Education Department is hosting a variety of live events that "celebrate and affirm Indigenous Identities." The events include: Affirming Identities through Art with artist Kaya Joan, a presentation with Wab Kinew on his new book 'Walking in Two Worlds', a presentation for staff and students on Affirming Indigenous Identities with Riley Yesno, and storytelling with Richard Van Camp.

PDSB collaborated with Dufferin-peel Catholic, Upper Grand, and Halton District school boards to bring cultural learning from various community partners.

Reynolds shared that the PDSB also held a virtual circle for all First Nation, Inuit and Métis families. Families learned about the Regional Learning Choice Programs — where students can focus on a subject of interest — and various initiatives for Indigenous students.

The PDSB teacher said meeting and learning alongside Indigenous families was a "highlight" during the programming this month, and she hopes PDSB staff and students "celebrate and understand the diverse histories and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples, as well as understand their obligations of their treaty relationship to this land."