Indigenous Education

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) is committed to improving student engagement, achievement and well-being amongst First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students. Both staff members and students, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, are able to benefit from education in a culturally sensitive manner that promotes and enhances awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions. The focus is on building positive connections and relationships of trust, honesty, and respect while strengthening collaborations with Indigenous communities, parents and families. The HWCDSB is dedicated to honouring the journey of truth, reconciliation and healing. “Education is what got us here, education is what will get us out.” - Justice Murray Sinclair

Voluntary, Confidential Self-Identification

Aboriginal Student Self-Identification Policy

Reciprocal Education Approach (REA) Fact Sheet

Jordan's Principle Book


Indigenous Education Series

This special series of workshops will increase awareness of Indigenous peoples and their cultural histories and traditions. Our primary objective is to provide meaningful workshop opportunities for students to explore contemporary indigenous life, while recognizing the past, increasing knowledge and understanding around the present, and making meaningful connections by looking forward to the future, together, with new found awareness and essential connections.


CREE CULTURES & CONNECTIONS
Connections: DREAM CATCHERS, DRUMS & THE MEDICINE WHEEL
Cree Arts & Crafts

LIFE SKILLS THROUGH INDIGENOUS GAMES
Connections: PHYSICAL LITERACY
First Nation, Metis & Inuit Traditions

THE ‘NEW’ CREDIT
Connections: TREATIES & LAND CLAIMS
Anishinaabee

LACROSSE CULTURE
Connections: THE CREATOR’S GAME
A Native American Tradition

BEYOND BUILDINGS
Connections: THE PEOPLE OF THE LONGHOUSE
Haudenosaunee

Icon Program Descriptors

 

NYA:WEH program

The NYA:WEH program is a ‘stay in school’ initiative, to assist and support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in secondary education. NYA:WEH provides a full-time Indigenous Youth Advisor that is responsible for empowering Indigenous students toward success, through personal, social, and culturally based educational support.

Nathan Muir
Full Time Indigenous Youth Advisor Available
– Monday to Friday

NYA:WEH- Cathedral (Portable 7)
30 Wentworth St. North
Hamilton, ON, L8L 8H5
School Tel: (905) 522 -3581
Email: [email protected]

NYAWEH Program Outline

 

In Unity,


Melissa Button
Indigenous Education Lead

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
44 Hunt Street
Hamilton, ON L8R 3R1
Tel: (905) 525-2930
Cell: (905) 541-4313
Email: [email protected]