Supporting Collaboration

ENSURE CONSISTENCY AND ENCOURAGE ONGOING IMPROVEMENT

- Day Treatment Program, Elementary -

Day treatment is offered for our Elementary students at Our Lady of Charity School (grades 3-6), in conjunction with Children’s Centre Thunder Bay (CCTB).

• Students hindered by social, emotional, and/or behavioural struggles in which their academic success is obstructed, are able to benefit from this modified academic programming.

• This program was reviewed in 2021/2022 with CCTB to discuss strategies which will enhance the program and review the memorandum of understanding.

- Coordinator for Indigenous Education -

Our Coordinator has been supporting the work of the Indigenous Education Department staff and provided resources and support.

• She met regularly with the Indigenous Student Counsellors, Indigenous Graduation Coaches, and the Resource Teachers. She has also worked with Ojibwe language teachers.

• Our Coordinator also assisted Thunder Bay Police with their Organizational Change Project.

• She also represents the school Board on various Indigenous advisory committees with community partners such as Science North and Confederation College.

- Programming -

Several successful programs were developed throughout the year, assisting educators and schools to build cultural awareness and provide strategies to support Indigenous students.

• Land-based programming was offered to Grade four and five students at Our Lady of Charity. Activities included dog-sledding, traditional medicine teachings, and nature walks.

• Indigenous Language classes and Indigenous Studies programs are offered to our students The Ojibwe Language program is offered at twelve schools. Ojibwe Language Teachers are offered professional development to assist them in understanding the curriculum expectations.

• Indigenous studies credits offered at the secondary level include Grade 11 English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices and Grade 9 Visual Arts: Expressions of Indigenous Culture.

• Days which are culturally and nationally significant are honoured. Schools participate in events annually which recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaties Recognition Week, and in the National Day of Remembrance at Fort William First Nation. Other significant dates which are recognized are Day of Action for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, National Indigenous Veterans Day.

- Partnership with Biwaase’aa Program -

Biwaase’aa, is an in-school and after-school program for Indigenous elementary students and families.

• The program supports the social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being of Indigenous students through a focus on life skills, cultural awareness, academic mentoring, structured social activities and healthy nutrition.

• St. Ann and Our Lady of Charity currently have this program embedded daily in their schools. This past year we expanded to include St. Vincent school.

- Identity Based Research Project -

• In partnership with Dr. Lisa Korteweg, a professor at Lakehead University, we completed an Identity-based research project, funded by the Ministry of Education, to examine potential systemic barriers to the voluntary self-identification of Indigenous students and staff.

• The data collected in the research provided a foundation and guide to the Indigenous Cultural Safety and equity-focussed work within the Board.

- Indigenous Counsellors -

To provide direct support to our high school and senior elementary school students, Indigenous Student Counsellors are on site.

• Student Counsellors support students transitioning to our schools from northern communities, and offer school-based mentoring, leadership and cultural programs.

• Indigenous Student Counsellors are members of school mental health and well-being teams and work closely with guidance departments, school mental health professionals, and our Mental Health Lead.

- Indigenous Grad Coaches -

The Indigenous Graduation Coaches have been providing support and programming for Indigenous students at St. Patrick and St. Ignatius High schools.

• This past school year, the Board received funding to pilot an Indigenous Graduation Coach program in a senior elementary school until December 2022.

• The Indigenous Grad Coaches provide academic, social, and emotional support to Indigenous students. They work closely with the Indigenous Student Counsellor, and with community organizations to provide academic programming, mentorship and cultural learning, lunch and after-school programs.

- Cultural Rooms -

Cultural rooms offer our students a quiet place of contemplation, ceremony and community.

• Two new cultural rooms created for St. Ann and Bishop Gallagher.

• A new Cultural room is planned and budgeted for St. Jude.

- Programming -

Indigenous Language classes and Indigenous Studies programs are offered to our students, with the Ojibway Language program expanding further, reaching more schools.

• Programming is offered to our Ojibway Language Teachers, assisting in understanding the curriculum expectations.

• Professional Development is in partnership with Lakehead University’s Indigenous Language Instructor Program.

• Together with programming, cultural celebrations also occur within our schools, and we participate annually in National Indigenous Peoples Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaties Recognition Week, and in the National Day of Remembrance at Fort William First Nation.

- Indigenous Education Council (IEC) -

With guidance from our Indigenous Education Council (formerly the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee), Indigenous programming and services are designed and expanded. The Council provides direction and vision as it relates to Indigenous student success.

- Self-Identification-

Voluntary self-identification of Indigenous ancestry is an excellent opportunity for students to declare their culture and background.

• This additional knowledge provides information to our Board and schools, assisting in utilizing resources to support Indigenous student success.

• All Staff were given the opportunity to self-identify during the Identity Based Research Project.

- Full Day Kindergarten at Fort William First Nation -

Full Day Kindergarten is offered at Fort William First Nation as a satellite campus of St. Ann school. This project was launched in September 2018 and continues to educate students in the 2020-2021 school year. The program has been successful, particularly in cultural programming, with an increase in student attendance and an improvement in student language and speech.

- International Student Program -

Partnered with MLI, a company that specializes in the recruitment of International students.