Honouring National Indigenous History Month
Dear Families and Community Members,
June 1 marks the start of National Indigenous History Month. This is a time where we invite the HWDSB community to join us in reflecting upon and honouring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the host nations, Anishinaabe (Mississauga of Credit First Nations), the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Six Nations of the Grand River), the local urban Indigenous community of Hamilton, and Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
National Indigenous History Month serves as a time for reflection, learning, and action. It is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the distinct and diverse Indigenous communities that have shaped—and continue to shape—our country and local communities. At HWDSB, we are committed to ongoing reconciliation and educational efforts as we build inclusive learning environments where every student, staff member and community feels seen, valued, respected and cared for.
HWDSB recognizes that reconciliation begins with relationships and continues through education. Our staff play a vital role in this work, leading with compassion, cultural humility and curiosity as they integrate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms and school communities. Our students—at the heart of everything we do—are invited to learn from rich cultural teachings, grounded in local Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, whereby they are enabled to engage with Indigenous Knowledges in meaningful ways that enrich their lives and the lives of others.
Truth and reconciliation – a core value of HWDSB and a call to action. Truth and reconciliation provide an opportunity for us to examine historical and ongoing injustices of Indigenous Peoples in education systems, such as residential schools, federal Indian day schools, and ongoing assimilative education. It is important that we address systemic barriers and actively seek ways to ensure Indigenous voices and perspectives are respectfully included in our schools and classrooms.
Indigenous Education is a critical component of education for all. Reconciliation in education is a lifelong learning journey that will continue to be a part of our education system to benefit every student, staff and the greater HWDSB community. As a leader in education, we are to hold ourselves accountable for fostering listening and learning environments where truth is acknowledged and reconciliation is advanced.
Throughout June, we encourage you to reflect and continue learning. Let us approach this month—and every month—with humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to unlearning and relearning. Together, we can honour the past, uplift the present, and help build a future grounded in truth, respect, and reconciliation.
In syncretism, peace, friendship and mutual respect,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Jolene John
Director of Education Indigenous Education Lead
Updated on Friday, May 30, 2025.