This month, the CDSBEO Indigenous Education Team facilitated four professional development sessions for NBE and geography educators across the Board. The sessions provided teachers with new resources, cultural learning opportunities and practical classroom connections to support Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing.

During the NBE professional learning sessions, educators were introduced to newly developed Indigenous Education resources and novel study materials available through CDSBEO Connect. Teachers explored curriculum-aligned supports designed to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories, cultures and contemporary realities. To support classroom implementation, each participating teacher received class sets of four Indigenous-authored texts: Where Wolves Don’t Die, Harpoon of the Hunter, Women of the Fur Trade, and Flint and Feather.

Geography educators participated in learning focused on Indigenous connections to land, environment, and place. Teachers explored the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada and examined ways to integrate Indigenous perspectives throughout the geography curriculum. The sessions also featured a cultural presentation from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Environment Program, delivered by Tekaherha Logan Lazore and Maegan Mitchell, who shared their knowledge and expertise on environmental stewardship and the significance of sturgeon to the community.

As part of the learning, educators participated in a presentation led by CDSBEO Indigenous Student Success Mentor Allen Smoke, who shared teachings about the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Mohawk Thanksgiving Address) and the significance of Wampum Belts as living records of agreements, responsibilities, and relationships. These teachings provided educators with a deeper understanding of Haudenosaunee knowledge systems and cultural protocols.

Educators also had the opportunity to learn about life in Nunavut from CDSBEO Indigenous Graduation Coach Kaajuk Kablalik. Through personal stories and experiences, Kaajuk provided valuable insights into Inuit culture, community, traditions, and the unique realities of living in Canada’s North.

The CDSBEO Indigenous Education Team would like to thank all teachers who participated in these professional development sessions and continue to support Indigenous Education throughout the Board.