On Friday, October 31, the Indigenous Education Team hosted its first Indigenous Education Council (IEC) for the 2025-2026 school year at Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre. The IEC plays a crucial role in guiding the CDSBEO to build stronger relationships with communities, share valuable information, identify promising practices, and enhance collaborative efforts to support the achievement and well-being of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students.

During the meeting, council members participated in a World Café event designed to explore and support five key pillars: Supporting Indigenous Students, Supporting All Students, Supporting Educators, Supporting Senior Team, and Community and Awareness Building. In addition, the council had the opportunity to hear from a student panel discussing the newly offered Kanien’kéha (Mohawk Language Course) at St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School, available for students under the Ahkwesàhsne Mohawk Board of Education.

It was a great first meeting of the 2025-2026 school year to support Indigenous Education, and we look forward to continued collaboration over the next three meetings.