Throughout October, the CDSBEO Indigenous Education Team supported Indigenous Cultural Learning Days for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School, St. John Catholic High School, St. Luke Catholic High School, St. Michael Catholic High School and Notre Dame Catholic High School. 

With CDSBEO serving a wide geographic area, Cultural Learning Days were held at Cooper’s Marsh Conservation Area, Foley Mountain Conservation Area and a local community garden in Kemptville. These outdoor settings gave students opportunities to gather, connect with the land and take part in cultural learning experiences. 

During the Cultural Learning Days, students participated in activities led by members of the CDSBEO Indigenous Education Team. Indigenous Education Consultant Amanda Landry, a member of Sipekne’katik First Nation, guided students through a smudge and beading activities. Indigenous Graduation Coach Kaajuk Kablalik, who is Inuk from Rankin Inlet, shared teachings about the qulliq and Inuit stories. Indigenous Student Success Mentor Allen Smoke, a member of the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, led students on a Medicine Walk. Students at Foley Mountain also had the opportunity to prepare bannock over a fire. 

These experiences support CDSBEO’s ongoing commitment to providing First Nations, Inuit and Métis students with opportunities to explore culture and identity, build relationships and strengthen their connections to the land. 

The Indigenous Education Team extends a special thank you to CDSBEO Social Service Worker Jon Wayne Donaldson and Religious Education Consultants Kate Veinotte and Lorrie Darling for serving as chaperones. The team also thanks Rebecca and Victoria from Foley Mountain Conservation Area and Claudia from the Raisin Region Conservation Authority for their support in making these learning opportunities possible. Their contributions helped create welcoming spaces for students to learn together on the land. 

The fall Cultural Learning Days are part of an ongoing series organized by the Indigenous Education Team. Additional opportunities are planned for the remaining CDSBEO secondary schools throughout November, with further learning opportunities planned for January and the spring.