Jeff Beaver from Alderville First Nation recently visited students at Harmony Public School. Jeff, his wife Debbie and Krista Coppaway shared many skills, tools, and other artifacts used when living traditionally with the land.
During the week of May 10th, students from Waswanapi Cree First Nation in northern Quebec, billeted with students from Dunbarton HS as part of a cultural exchange provided through the YMCA. In late May, students from Dunbarton will spend a week in Waswanipi First Nation.
On Saturday, May 15, a number of families and students visited Curve Lake First Nation. Everyone was provided a presentation at the Curve Lake Cultural Centre before having lunch. The early part of the afternoon included a visit, tour and presentation at the Whetung Gallery.
On May 13th, Maxwell Heights held its official school opening and acknowledeged the traditional territory of the Mississauga Nation. Spiritual Advisor, Gerard Sagassigi addressed hundreds of people in attendance. Bruce Smoke and family sang the Honour Song prior to the band's performance of O Canad...
On Saturday, March 27, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit families and students visited the Native Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto. A tour of the facility, lunch and cultural presentations were provided during the visit.
National Aboriginal History Month was unanimously adopted by the federal government on June 4, 2009. The designation is important because this part of Canada's national background has seldom been given proper recognition. Aboriginal history has been told from a non-Aboriginal perspective for a very long time. Resources are now being developed with stronger Aboriginal voices and Canadians are becoming more informed about the perspectives and world views of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The National Aboriginal History Month designation helps to further the goals of The Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework through the recognition of Aboriginal perspectives on Canada's history.
June 21 - National Aboriginal Day
First proclaimed by Governor General Romeo Léblanc in 1996, this day is recognized in Canada as a day to highlight the heritage, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. For more information and to order free posters and products to help in the promotion of National Aboriginal Day, please visit http://142.46.199.102/nad/nad_e.asp. Morning announcement scripts are being provided to each school for the week of June 21 to 25 in order to increase awareness of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures, histories, and perspectives.
Last updated: July 12, 2010
We are continually updating our website. If you are a returning visitor, check this section first. The Resources for Educators is being expanded into Native Studies, Authentic Voices, Web Links, and PD Resources (resources often included in packages for teachers attending Aboriginal Education Professional Development).
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Spirit Calling is the Aboriginal Education website for the Durham District School Board. Our objective is to keep you informed as to what our board is doing to support Aboriginal Education. This site is designed for both for educators and families.
We would be pleased to hear from you! If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our website, please use one of the the links below to contact our office. You could also phone Bill Littlefair, Program Officer/Aboriginal Studies (905) 666-6397 or Deanna Fry, Aboriginal Education Facilitator (905) 666-6301.
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With the school year coming quickly to a close, the DDSB Aboriginal Education Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many volunteers who participated in the programs and initiatives offered throughout the year. Over sixty people from our communities and schools donated their time and expertise. Without this tremendous support, many of these programs could not have been provided. Thank you to our adult and student mentors, committee planners, resource developers, workshop leaders, Aboriginal Education Contacts, educators and senior administratiors and trustees who continue to make a difference for the Aboriginal students and families we serve in the Durham Region.