Every single one of our schools is committed to offer hospitality and support to students with an indigenous heritage. Our schools have access to various resources contributing to the development of an appreciation of the cultures, traditions and outlooks of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Our staff members take part in workshops to help raise awareness of all different cultures including the indigenous cultures.

In addition, we strive to create partnership opportunities with various organizations to offer the best services available to our indigenous families.

The term "Indigenous" refers to the original inhabitants of Canada and their descendants. According to the Constitution Act, 1982, Aboriginal peoples of Canada are made up of three nations: Métis, Inuit and First Nations. Aboriginal ancestry, on the other hand, refers to any person who has an indigenous heritage in their family tree and who identifies with indigenous culture.

Self-identification

Indigenous self-identification is voluntary and confidential. It is an opportunity for students and families to proclaim their First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage. It is not required to have an Indian Status card, a Métis citizenship card or an Inuit identification number to self-identify. All you need are indigenous roots.

Self-identification contributed to the student's identity development as a French-speaking indigenous individual. It helps create an inclusive learning environment where the cultures, the traditions and the outlooks of indigenous peoples are present and valued.

Our school board encourages its students as well as its staff members to self-identify. Doing so is as simple as filling in a short form. Over 340 students with an indigenous heritage have self-identified so far.

Why self-identify?

The data collected is analysed and used as a whole, not individually, to:

• Improve the education of students, indigenous or not;
• Increase the success rate and well-being of all students, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit students;
• Improve the access to cultural programs, services and support;
• Raise awareness regarding the diverse needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students;
• Increase the graduation rate, the access to information about postsecondary options (work, apprenticeship, college, university and community integration) and the available financial support;
• Improve, develop and implement learning programs and support services for self-identified students, staff members and school counsellors;
• Meet the ministerial expectation of employing both indigenous and non-indigenous teachers.

Privacy of information

In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières is committed to analyse the data collected in aggregate form to improve learning opportunities for all students. This information will be shared with the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), who will make these results public.

or more information, please refer to our Student self-identification Policy (non accessible PDF, in French)

If you have a question or would like additional information, please contact Mrs. Angèle Beaudry, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Affairs manager:

• Phone: 705 267-1421, extension 204
• Email: angele.beaudry@cscdgr.education