Indigenous Education

The Renfrew County District School Board is committed to having all students seen, valued and heard, and we are excited to welcome all students into our high schools.  We uphold inherent Indigenous rights and the human rights of all students and their families.  We are actively working to eliminate discrimination of all kinds including on the basis of race, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, income, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Acknowledgement of Territory

“We acknowledge that the land on which our schools and District buildings are situated is the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin people. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples on this land on which we gather here today.”

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education in the Renfrew County District School Board

The Ontario Government and the RCDSB are dedicated to excellence in education for all students, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The RCDSB is committed to providing equitable, inclusive and engaging education opportunities for all students.  This commitment is grounded in our shared understanding of developing a school culture where all students feel understood, valued and respected. 

Ontario's Indigenous Education Strategy is supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to achieve their full potential. The Ministry of Education is committed to improving Indigenous education in Ontario through student achievement and well-being for all students. This strategy has been designed to improve opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, and to increase the knowledge and awareness of all students about Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives.

The RCDSB Action Plan for Indigenous Education outlines programs and initiatives that align with the strategy and meet the needs of the local communities. The plan is created in collaboration with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit parents/guardians, community members, organizations and the Indigenous Education Advisory Council. 

The Indigenous Education Advisory Council guides the school board in building stronger relationships with students and communities, sharing information, identifying promising practices, and enhancing collaborative work to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student achievement and well-being.

The RCDSB Indigenous Education team can be contacted at ieteam@rcdsb.on.ca 

Voluntary and Confidential Indigenous Student Self-Identification

Here at the RCDSB, we are committed to strengthening our relationship with local Indigenous community members to enhance our delivery of educational programs and services. Ensuring that First Nations, Métis and Inuit students have opportunities and resources to achieve academic success and personal well-being is a top priority.

Self-identification is a voluntary and personal choice for students and families, with no proof of ancestry required. All parents/guardians of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and students who are 18 years or older, have the right to self-identify.

If you wish to self-identify yourself or your child, but are unsure if you have done so already, please fill out the Self-Identification Form and return it to your school.

RCDSB Indigenous Student Self-Identification Form 

RCDSB Indigenous Education Website

For more information about Indigenous Education supports and services available within the RCDSB, please visit the Indigenous Education website at https://sites.google.com/rcdsb.on.ca/indigenous-education.