In November, we celebrate Indigenous Education Month at the TDSB. This month
provides an opportunity to centre Indigenous perspectives, histories and contemporary
realities across the curriculum. In classrooms across the city, we focus on treaties,
particular Nations such as the Inuit and Métis according to their Days of Significance, as
well as the achievements and accomplishments of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Over the course of this month, students, staff and community members will be recognizing a
number of important days to deepen knowledge and learn together about our shared
history and build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
peoples in Canada.
Below is a summary of events and Indigenous Days of Significance:
Film Night at the UIEC! – Nov. 1, 2018
The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the National Film Board of Canada invite all TDSB staff and community members to the launch of Urban.Indigenous.Proud. at the Urban Indigenous Education Centre.
Urban.Indigenous.Proud is a film project partnership between the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the National Film Board of Canada. Taking a community-driven approach, the OFIFC and the NFB produced five short documentaries by Indigenous filmmakers who set out to explore urban Indigenous culture and lived experiences in five Friendship Centre communities. The films celebrate successes in urban Indigenous communities and give Canadians an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous people living in urban settings. The films also challenge stereotypes by offering stories created by Indigenous communities.
There will be snacks. It is free for all-ages!
Date: Nov. 1, 2018
Time:6 p.m.
Location:Urban Indigenous Education Centre, 16 Phin Ave., Toronto, ON M4L3T2
Please RSVP to Sara Blanke at sblanke@ofifc.org.
TDSB Indigenous Education Launch Ceremony – Nov. 2, 2018
The official launch event for TDSB Indigenous Education Month will introduce a new system-wide land acknowledgement; the centre’s new branding; and a new Inuit education curriculum and community support package. Guests will also be served an Indigenous lunch from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Date: Nov. 2, 2018
Time:12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Urban Indigenous Education Centre, 16 Phin Ave., Toronto, ON M4L3T2
To confirm your attendance, please email tessa.sill@tdsb.on.ca.
Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario – Nov. 5 - 9, 2018
Treaties Recognition Week is the first week of November every year. This week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to support Ontarians in learning more about treaty rights and treaty relationships. During Treaties Recognition Week, we recognize the treaties that shape Ontario and Canada, and bring awareness to treaty rights and treaty relationships.
International Inuit Day – Nov. 7, 2018
November 7 is International Inuit Day. It was declared a day of significance at the 2006 Inuit Circumpolar Council general assembly in Barrow, Alaska, as a day when Inuit honour the memory of Inuit Circumpolar Council’s late founding president Eben Hopson, who was born on Nov. 7, 1922. In 1976, Hopson rallied the Inuit leaders of Greenland, Canada, the United States and Russia to form an international organization (then called the Inuit Circumpolar Conference). The North Slope borough mayor hosted the first ICC assembly in 1977 in Barrow where delegates passed 17 resolutions on Inuit land claims, Arctic environmental protection, Arctic health and technology, and Inuit culture and education. The day is also an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the important relationship and history we share with the Inuit of Canada, as we move forward in our journey of reconciliation and a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.
Remembering Aboriginal Veterans – Nov. 8 and 11, 2018
November 8 is a day specifically dedicated to remembering Indigenous veterans and their contributions to war efforts on behalf of Canada. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) will be focusing efforts on November 8 this year, but we encourage all schools to integrate Indigenous veterans information and perspectives into their local ceremonies as per their traditions.
Louis Riel Day – Nov. 16, 2018
On Nov. 16, Louis Riel Day is held to honour the sacrifices and the work of Métis leader Louis Riel and to recognize the many contributions of the Métis to Canada. The day also highlights the continuing struggles and systemic barriers that Métis encounter.