May 10, 2011: Parents and community members invited to learn about the Voluntary, Confidential Self-Identification of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students

Sessions held May 24th, 30th and 31st in Halton communities, all sessions begin at 7 p.m.

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 joint Halton School Boards’ Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (AEAC) developed a policy on Voluntary, Confidential Self-Identification of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. This policy development included community consultations. Parents of all Halton public and Catholic schools will have the opportunity to voluntarily identify their child as being of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). Self-identification will take the form of a question found on the student verification form that will be sent home in September.

“The collection of this data will increase the capacity of the school boards to respond to the learning and cultural needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students,” says Sherry Saevil, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards. “This data will enable the school boards to continue to promote the development of a positive personal and cultural identity, and a sense of belonging for these students, in an effective and meaningful way.”

To learn more about the process for Voluntary Confidential Self-Identification, please attend one of the following community information sessions. All sessions will at 7 p.m. with light refreshments and cultural entertainment:

Date                                   Location

Tuesday, May 24, 2011         E.C. Drury High School  (215 Ontario Street South, Milton)

Monday, May 30, 2011          Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School (2333 Headon Forest Drive, Burlington)

Tuesday, May 31, 2011         Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (2420 Sixth Line, Oakville)

For more information, please contact:                                                         

Sherry Saevil
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Halton Catholic and Halton District School Boards
905-632-4814 ext. 5687
saevils@hcdsb.org