Superintendent Kime Collver provided an overview of ADSB’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) programs and how they’ve developed.  It was an excellent reminder of all the initiatives that have been undertaken in the last several years to support the learning and progress of our aboriginal students. 

 

• Voluntary Self-Identification program.

  • The first year ADSB asked students to voluntarily self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit was 2007/2008 and that year we had 1,199 students voluntarily self-identify.  Last year (12/13) we had 1,591 self-identify.  As of October 31st this year, we have 1,597 students who have self-identified, an increase of 398 students since 2007.

• A full time FNMI Lead teacher and schools have identified an FNMI key teacher

• Cultural Rooms

• The development of an elementary FNMI Drum Group

• Introduced a new logo, designed by student and staff from WC Eaket

• Ongoing relationships with community partners (including the Indian Friendship Centre, North Shore Tribal council) and have established important links to First Nation partners and Elders.  

• Within the past six years, ADSB has either hosted or presented at key FNMI provincial conferences, symposiums including the Circle of Light conference and a session with Ontario’s Auditor General. 

• ADSB was invited to present at the Indigenous Education Summit, a national conference.

 

The Board’s Urban Aboriginal Program, founded in 2003/2004, celebrates its 10 year partnership between ADSB and the Indian Friendship Centre.  To date, 58 students have graduated from the program with a combined number of 915 credits earned.