Walking Forward Together: HWDSB Strengthens Commitment to Indigenous Education
On Indigenous Peoples Day, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) honours the deep-rooted cultures, languages, and teachings of the host Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Confederacy nations, the local Indigenous communities of Hamilton and broader First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples across the country. It is a day to reflect on the enduring presence and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in Hamilton and beyond, and to recommit ourselves to walking the path of truth and reconciliation through education that is respectful, culturally safe, and relationship-based.
Recently, Trustees voted to support the exploration of a new K–12 Indigenous School. This important step recognizes the need for learning spaces where Indigenous students feel a strong sense of identity, community, and belonging— spaces shaped by Indigenous worldviews, languages, teaching and learning approaches and relationships tied to land.
“This school represents more than just a building—it’s a vision for a space where Indigenous learners can see themselves reflected in the curriculum, feel safe in their identities, and be surrounded by teachings and values that honour our cultures,” said Jolene John, HWDSB’s Indigenous Education Lead. “It’s also a place where non-Indigenous students will be welcomed to learn alongside us—through an educational experience rooted in Indigenous Knowledge, languages, and worldviews. It’s about restoring our ways, reclaiming our voices, and ensuring future generations grow up strong in who they are, while building mutual understanding and respect across all communities.”
This commitment to Indigenous Education was also reflected in the powerful visit of Autumn Peltier, internationally recognized Anishinaabe water protector and youth advocate, to Bellmoore Elementary School. Autumn shared teachings about water as a sacred responsibility and encouraged students to use their voices to stand up for what matters. Her message was grounded in generations of Anishinaabe and Indigenous Knowledges about caretaking and connection to land and water.
“Autumn’s visit reflects the kind of learning we want to see more of in our schools—learning that is guided by Indigenous leadership, rooted in relationships, and that encourages all students to be thoughtful, active participants in creating a better world,” said Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, Director of Education at HWDSB. “We are committed to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities to ensure our schools are places where Indigenous students thrive and all students learn the true histories and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples.”
HWDSB continues to work in partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Elders, and community partners to embed Indigenous perspectives across the system in ways that are authentic and respectful. Through educational initiatives like land-based learning, language revitalization, and community engagement, the Board aims to honour Indigenous Knowledge systems and contribute meaningfully to reconciliation.
Today and every day, HWDSB stands in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. We move forward with humility, guided by relationships, responsibility, and respect.
In peace, friendship, and respect,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Jolene John
Updated on Friday, June 20, 2025.