Indigenous Education

Saaswin Kendaasiwin “Nest of Learning”
Tsi Nón:we Konttsí’nahkónnis “Where they make their nests

The Learning Nest

Indigenous Cultural Safety
A culturally immersive learning pilot offered at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board

Our goal

The Learning Nest is a culturally immersive Indigenous learning pilot offered to learners who self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis (grades 9-12).

In the Learning Nest classroom, Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are respected, valued and prioritized. The Learning Nest is a key piece of the ongoing development of an Indigenous Cultural Safety framework. Indigenous learners will see Indigenous knowledge reflected in the space, content and learning experiences.

The Learning Nest experience includes:

• A variety of credit-earning learning experiences, teachings, language and participation in cultural activities and observances
• Working cooperatively with learners, families and caregivers to ensure holistic health and well-being by emphasizing an asset-based model of Indigenous student success
• Holistic well-being plans and bridging to ‘next steps’ and/or life stage, respecting the unique needs and goals of the learner

How

Our team adheres to the following definition of Indigenous Cultural Safety:

Indigenous Cultural Safety is the develop­ment, implementation, maintenance and (ongoing) evaluation of education models that reflect the needs of the Indigenous community of Hamilton while being respectful of the 94 Truth and Reconcilia­tion Commission Calls to Action. This includes but is not limited to the teachings found within the Haudenosaunee teachings of the Great Law of Peace, which outlines three guiding principles:

• Peace – healthy mind and healthy body
• Power – harmonious, non-violent unity
• Good mindedness – justice between people and justice between nations

These principles are followed with the understanding that all decisions are made in the best interest of the ‘faces yet to come,’ meaning we begin the decision-mak­ing process by considering the best interest of our most vulnerable, the unborn, then the babies, then the crawling ones, then the children and so on…

We also use the following as part of our guide, the Anishinaabe teachings of the Three Fires model of past, present and future generations, the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Love, Respect, Truth and Wisdom, and the prophecy of the current generation whom represent the 8th Fire.

We approach the establishment of the Learning Nest from the perspective of a Cultural Safety model: returning to the village-model of caring for our children, educating them, displacing deprivation of identity with rich cultural teachings, based on our Indigenous worldview.

Why now?

This is a time of Reconciliation. The Learning Nest pilot is rooted in the concepts of “Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity and Responsibility” (Kirkness and Barnhardt 2001) and aims to increase the experiences of safety and wellness, while providing a high standard of excellence for Indigenous learners in education.

We are committed to ensuring that each learner, their families and or caregivers have a solid understanding of the roles and responsibilities for all within this
unique and culturally immersive educational experience.

Indigenous Education Team

You are welcome to learn more about Indigenous Education and/or Indigenous Cultural Safety at HWDSB.

Learners, families/caregivers, staff and the community may contact us directly via email or by phone.

NOTE: If you are calling on behalf of a learner, please ensure you have secured consent of the learner and or parent/guardian.

Jolene John, Indigenous Education Lead [email protected]
Kristina Zito, Indigenous System Social Worker [email protected]
20 Education Court Hamilton L9A 0B9 (905) 527-5092 x2119
[email protected]

Saltfleet principal Christine Nicolaides receives her school’s wampum.

Principals representing all 102 schools at HWDSB received symbolic, beaded wampum belts Sept. 13, 2017, in a ceremony that highlighted the Board’s commitment to improve relationships with Indigenous people, knowledges and practices.

The Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt, to be displayed at each school, represents a treaty relationship between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Anishnaabe with respect to sharing the land and resources therein.

Schools and departments will use the wampum as a teaching and learning tool, agreeing to keep it visible, accessible and safe for all to use; they may work with Indigenous staff or community members to broaden understanding and use of the wampum.

“Thank you for continuing to push us and lead us,” Director of Education Manny Figueiredo said at a meeting of principals. HWDSB accepted a wampum at the Board level in June, 2017, and has adopted a new community-vetted Land Acknowledgement that is said before meetings.

HWDSB’s commitment to Indigenous education emerges from a context that has seen Indigenous knowledge historically excluded and marginalized in Canada. Ontario has committed to working with Indigenous partners in education, with a focus on closing the achievement gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

HWDSB supports the various Indigenous educational initiatives, including:

Parents, caregivers/guardians of HWDSB students, or students age 18 or older are encouraged to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify their First Nation (Status and Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit ancestry. By self-identifying, you are helping HWDSB to determine programming and supports for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student success and achievement.

To self-identify, please use the form below. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by asking the school to remove this information.

Self-identifying helps HWDSB provide reliable information on rates of enrolment, literacy, numeracy, graduation rates and course completion. HWDSB is committed to delivering safe and inclusive programs and services that support achievement, engagement and equity by addressing the heritage, culture and perspectives of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

• Indigenous Self-identification Form

September 30 – Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the survivors, victims and lasting effects of Canada’s Residential Schools. The federal statutory holiday was first known as Orange Shirt Day and many of us will continue to wear orange in solidarity.

• Letter to families – Orange Shirt Day 2022
• The Survivors’ Secretariat – established in 2021 to organize and support efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute during its 136 years of operation.
• HRIC Three-day Festival at Gage Park (Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2022)
• “Raising Our Voices: We Matter” – Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Orange Shirt Day website
• Orange Shirt Day resource created by HWDSB’s Indigenous Education Team, which has more details including a video from Sherlene Bomberry, a Residential School Survivor.
• Woodland Cultural Centre – to learn more about the Mohawk Institute Residential School, established in 1828 near Brantford. One of the oldest Residential Schools in Canada.
• Legacy of Hope – national Indigenous charitable organization with the mandate to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residential School System.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

October 4 – National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Each year, October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In Canada, Indigenous women, girls, and members of the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community are targeted for violence more than any other group. See below for supports and learn more: mmiwg-ffada.ca

• Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
  • The Government of Canada recognizes the need for safety measures to minimize the risks associated with traumatic subject matter. For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. This is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support and cultural services and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.
• COAST Hamilton – 905-972-8338 or toll free at 1-844-972-8338
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868

First week of November – Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week is an opportunity to teach and learn about histories, contributions, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

• Let’s Talk about Treaties – A Microsoft Sway presentation created by the Indigenous Education Team.
• Map of Ontario Treaties and Reserves– Helps students identify the treaty land where they live and go to school.
• Video series: Indigenous Voices on Treaties– Indigenous speakers share knowledge about treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario.
• Gdoo-Sastamookii Mi Resource Page– Anishinabek Nation page with lesson plans and videos that complement a treaties-focused teaching guide.
• Historica Canada’s Treaties in Canada Portal– Education guide to support classroom learning on treaties.

November 8 – IndigenousVeterans Day

We hold space at this solemn time to honour and remember veterans, families and communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.

• Honouring Indigenous Veterans
• Indigenous Veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada
• History, Veterans Affairs Canada

March 31 – Indigenous Languages Day

Indigenous Languages Day is an opportunity to honour the importance of language and culture to the well-being of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

• Podcast: Why First Nations Traditions, Language and Knowledge Matter More Than Ever – Dr Dan Longboat
• Anishinaabemowin Language App thanks to Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg Head Start School. Search for terms including  Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwemowin, Ojibway or Ojibwe now!
• Languages and Culture resources from the Assembly of First Nations

June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day

Within National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the culture and heritage of many Indigenous Peoples and communities, on the longest day of the year.

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action – which addresses oppression against Indigenous Peoples, and actions to address this.
• The Rights of First Nations Children in Canada – a look at how Canada fails Indigenous children on poverty, health, justice and education, despite signing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Discovery of remains at sites of Indian Residential Schools

• National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• The Missing Children Project
• Tips for adults supporting children and youth after distressing events
• Mental health and well-being supports: www.hwdsb.on.ca/wehelp