Dear parents, guardians, caregivers and staff,
Please see below a statement from Louise Sirisko, Acting Director of Education, in response to issues identified from the field trip to the Grassy Narrows River Run, a community event organized in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and their efforts to address mercury contamination impacting their community.
Statement on school trip to Grassy Narrows River Run event
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, students from a limited number of TDSB schools attended a field trip to the Grassy Narrows River Run, a community event organized in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and their efforts to address mercury contamination impacting their community. This excursion was organized as an educational experience for students to hear from Indigenous voices about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Grassy Narrows.
TDSB received a number of concerns about this trip, in particular that issues outside of the main focus of the event were raised. We apologize for the harm that some students may have experienced as a result. We take these concerns very seriously and will prioritize our investigation into the matter. TDSB will also review field trip and relevant procedures with our staff and reiterate our expectations. While we are in the early stages of the investigation, if it is found that TDSB policies procedures or professional standards were not followed, we will take appropriate action, which may include discipline and/or changes to our field trip process to ensure accountability.
TDSB remains committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and providing opportunities for students to learn from Indigenous histories, contemporary realities and perspectives in our everyday teaching, learning, and professional work.
We will continue to critically evaluate requests for field trips in accordance with our policies and procedures. The safety and the well-being of our students will continue to be our top priority.
As board of Trustees, we take the safety and the wellbeing of our students very seriously. I have asked staff to provide ongoing and timely updates about the investigation into this matter and about the steps taken to support the safety and well-being of students. The board of trustees will also be discussing this matter soon to identify ways to strengthen policies and procedures that deal with field trips.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Acting Chair
Toronto District School Board