Indigenous Education
Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Durham Catholic District School Board values Indigenous perspectives, culture, history, knowledge, and ways of being. Through meaningful curriculum connections, Land-based learning, community partnerships, and holistic approaches, we support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student wellbeing while nurturing understanding, respect, and Reconciliation for all learners.
DCDSB Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Mississauga First Nations, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We recognize the rich history of the peoples of the Williams Treaties. We are grateful for the past and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. As a Catholic learning community, we commit to walking the path together and actively engaging in Truth and Reconciliation.
Indigenous Student Success and Self-Identification
The Durham Catholic District School Board offers an ongoing, voluntary, and confidential opportunity for students to self-identity as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit. Self-identification is a personal choice and no documentation or proof of ancestry is required.
Information shared through this process helps DCDSB strengthen relationships, enhance culturally responsive supports, and create learning environments where First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students see their identities respected and affirmed. Self-identification supports access to programs, opportunities, and connections, while also informing system-level planning in ways that honour dignity, privacy, and trust.
All information is protected under provincial privacy legislation, used responsibly and primarily in aggregate, and may be updated or withdrawn at any time. You can self-identify through the school office or by clicking the link below.
Indigenous Student Circle
The Indigenous Student Circle brings First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students together during the school year to build community, strengthen identity, and share their voices. Through connection, culture, and leadership, the Circle supports student wellbeing and helps ensure Indigenous perspectives shape learning across DCDSB.
Students in Grades 6-12 who would like to join the Indigenous Student Circle please contact us at IndigenousEducation@dcdsb.ca.
Indigenous Education Advisory Circle
The Indigenous Education Advisory Circle meets four times a year and brings together Indigenous community voices, educators, and system leaders to guide DCDSB’s Indigenous Education work. Rooted in relationship and collaboration, the Circle supports Truth and Reconciliation by informing policies, programs, and practices that honour Indigenous knowledge, strengthen student success, and deepen partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Resources for Educators and Staff
Indigenous Education curriculum resources for DCDSB educators are available through D2L (Brightspace), Edsby Groups, and the DCDSB staff intranet. These Board curated resources support Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum implementation and are developed by the Indigenous Education Team to centre Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of knowing. Throughout the school year there are various professional learning opportunities offered by the Indigenous Education Department.
The Indigenous Education Team
The Indigenous Education Team at DCDSB is comprised of educators and staff who have lived experience and self-identify as Indigenous, and/or have other related education and experience.
Read more about the 2025-2026 Indigenous Education Plan below.
For questions or more information, email our Indigenous Education department at IndigenousEducation@dcdsb.ca or call 905- 576-6150 ext. 22254.