Aboriginal Education Month

November is Aboriginal Education Month

November is Aboriginal Education Month in the Toronto District School Board. This year’s theme is "Aboriginal Presence in the War of 1812". Throughout the month of November, the Aboriginal Education Centre will be hosting and presenting various events throughout the system. In addition, schools will be conducting their own school and classroom activities. Continue to view the Toronto District School Board, Aboriginal Education website for more details on upcoming events and resources to support the infusion of First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives throughout the curricula. Please join us in celebrating Aboriginal Education Month

What is Aboriginal Education Month?

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION MONTH is an occasion for all our schools and workplaces to improve our knowledge and understanding of the histories, cultures, achievements, experiences and world views of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada and throughout the world.

In recognizing ABORIGINAL EDUCATION MONTH, we acknowledge the rights of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada as the original peoples of this land. The history of Canada begins with Aboriginal peoples. The histories of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples are an integral part of Canada’s history. Yet, the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal peoples, their rich and diverse cultural heritages as well as their rights, histories, and perspectives have traditionally been marginalized.

These activities in recognition of ABORIGINAL EDUCATION MONTH are designed to improve our awareness of the achievements of Aboriginal peoples, their struggles and their successes and their perspectives, historically, and in a contemporary context. These learning experiences serve to foster authentic student engagement and enhanced student success as well as to reinforce pride and self-esteem among First Nation, Inuit and Métis students as they see themselves positively reflected in the curricula.

The teaching and learning strategies will help to consolidate the foundation on which to enhance inclusive learning environments year round.

Tuesday, April 2 to Thursday, April 4, 2013
Aboriginal Youth Leadership Camp

The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation in partnership with the Toronto District School Board, Aboriginal Education Centre is providing an opportunity for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students from grades 8 – 11 for interactive workshops, leadership development, cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Tim Horton Memorial Camp is located on Lorimer Lake just north of Parry Sound.

Friday, November 9, 2012
Remembrance Day

Sunrise Ceremony: Greet the new day and honour the contribution of Aboriginal veterans.
7:00 a.m., rain or shine @ Bala Avenue Community School, 6 Bala Avenue, York ON.
Breakfast will be provided following the sunrise ceremony.
For more information contact Tanya Senk @ the Aboriginal Education Centre 416-393-9600,Tanya.Senk@tdsb.on.ca

Social Celebrations - Remembrance Day

Students learn about the contributions of Aboriginal people to Canada's military since 1812. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/strategygr02socremembrance.pdf 

Aboriginal Veterans Day

Each year from November 5th to 11th Canadians take the time to acknowledge the achievements of our Veterans and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice - more info (APTN)  

Commemorating Aboriginal Veterans - Remembrance Day, November 2012

Click here for information. 

World Diabetes Day - November 14, 2012

Diabetes affects Aboriginal people at a high rate, and so communities are working to prevent this condition by helping people improve their diet and increase their physical activity. There is even an Aboriginal Food Guide based on traditional knowledge.
 
Take a few minutes to check out Anishnawbe Health Toronto's Urban Aboriginal Diabetes Research Project Report here. For resources on Diabetes prevention and management for all ages, look at the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association resource page here.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
6th Annual Parents Make a Difference Conference

Team up with your children for a one-day conference for all TDSB parents and school council members.
Specific sessions will be held on Aboriginal Education issues. 
@ Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Avenue, Toronto ON.

Parents/guardians may register at  www.tdsb.on.ca/parentconference  or call 416 394-2070.

Friday, November 16, 2012
Louis Riel Day


Louis Riel Links (External)

Proclamation, Louis Riel Day http://www.toronto.ca/proclamations/2012index.htm

“Louis Riel Day” is commemorated each year in the City of Toronto with remembrance ceremonies and events at various locations, including Toronto City Hall, and is held annually across the Métis Nation Homeland. This day serves to remind us that Louis Riel was executed on November 16, 1885, for being a persistent advocate for the rights of the Métis in Canada. “Today we gain strength by remembering past struggles and we use that strength to find ways to move forward,” stated Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). For more information on the Métis Nation of Ontario, please see the following website, http://www.metisnation.org. See more…

TDSB First Nation, Métis and Inuit Staff Network

The TDSB First Nation, Métis and Inuit Staff Network is a group of Aboriginal staff members who meet regularly for many different purposes…to share our personal stories and experiences, to support each other in our career journeys, for professional development as well as social and cultural activities. Please contact Catherine Pawis (Central Coordinating Principal, Aboriginal Education) at catherine.pawis@tdsb.on.ca if you are interested in participating in future gatherings.

In addition, many members of the network are working together as part of a planning team with other TDSB staff members to organize Aboriginal Education Month activities and have expressed interest in continuing to be involved in the development of other ongoing programming initiatives in Aboriginal Education. If you would like to learn more about this, please contact Tanya Senk at tanya.senk@tdsb.on.ca.