Burlington, ON – February 10, 2010 - The Ministry of Education has identified Aboriginal education
as one of its key priorities, with a focus on meeting two primary challenges by the year 2016. It is
determined to improve achievement among First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students; and to close the
gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in the areas of literacy and numeracy, retention
of students in school, graduation rates and advancement to post-secondary studies.

The Ministry of Education encourages school boards to develop policies on Voluntary and
Confidential Aboriginal Student Self-Identification that would provide a basis for gathering relevant
information. Two Ministry documents: Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy
Framework and Building Bridges to Success for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Students are intended to
assist school boards in developing these policies and directing resources to facilitate Aboriginal
student success. The joint Halton Boards’ Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (AEAC) has
developed a working draft policy on Aboriginal Self-Identification and is requesting comments from
Aboriginal community partners, parents and interested individuals. For more information, please
contact Sherry Saevil, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at 905-632-4814, ext. 5687 or at
saevils@hcdsb.org.

Aboriginal community partners and parents are invited to participate in open dialogue about these
Ministry initiatives regarding Aboriginal education and the development of the Voluntary and
Confidential Aboriginal Student Self-Identification Policies of the two Halton Boards at one of the
following public forums:

All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

Halton Hills – February 22, 2010 Acton District High School (21 Cedar Road)
Milton – February 23, 2010 Milton District High School, Studio Theatre (396 Williams Street)
Burlington – February 24, 2010 Catholic Education Centre, Halton Catholic District School Board
(802 Drury Lane)
Oakville – February 25, 2010 Education Resource Centre, Halton Catholic District School
Board (2123 Hixon Street)

For further information, please contact:
Sherry Saevil
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards
905-632-4814, ext. 5687
saevils@hcdsb.org