Toll Free: 1-877-482-0722
We respectfully acknowledge that we, here in the Durham Region, are on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.
When you identify your indigenous ancestry, we learn more about our students and develop appropriate programs that reflect First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures. Students benefit from learning about indigenous perspectives via:
- Native Studies courses;
- Cultural opportunities; and
- Resources and materials.
How to self-identify
We encourage students with First Nations, Métis and Inuit ancestry to voluntarily self-identify. Proof of ancestry is not required. By self-identifying, you help to monitor the success of the programs and services we offer and help identify ways we support the success of Indigenous students in our schools.
Parents and guardians of students (under the age of 18 years) or students (18 years and older) with First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry can self-identify by completing the form below.
Online Voluntary, Confidential Self-Identification Form
Indigenous Education Advisory Circle
Members of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle are made up of Indigenous Peoples and board staff. The Circle makes recommendations that focus on creating an environment of respect, while promoting the values of Indigenous history, culture, world views, language, and spirituality in our schools.
Members of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle
- Julie Pigeon
- Robert Cutting
- Cecile Wagar
- Alyssa McLeod
- Kathy Bazley
- Ian McCullum
- Julie Lezetc
- Dawn Lavell-Harvard
- Karli Robertson
- Leah Power
- James MacKinnon
- Mariah O'Reilly
Click here to read the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle Terms of Reference.
Indigenous Mental Health Resources
- Jack.org-Resources for Students: Jack.org has many useful online resources for students. If you click on this link and scroll to the bottom of the page, there are additional resources that are specifically geared towards Indigenous Youth.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line for Students and Families: The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and all of those affected by this tragic news. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
- DCDSB Mental Health Website: The DCDSB website has several resources to support mental health and to help access resources for students and families.
- DCDSB Social Work Access Line: DCDSB students and families can call our Social Work Access Line and leave a voicemail with their contact information. One of our mental health professionals will call back and provide support. (Note: This is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7) / DCDSB Social Work Access Line - Call 905-576-6150 ext. 21021. Or, you can click on the blue button near the top of this web page.
- Come Together Indigenous Mental Health Workshop for students age 8-11 years. Provided by Carea Community Health Centre. Call Angela at Carea to register 905-723-0036 ext.1222.
- Come Together Indigenous Mental Health Workshop for students age 12-14 years. Provided by Carea Community Health Centre. Call Angela at Carea to register 905-723-0036 ext.1222.
- Youth Mental Health Canada (YMHC) Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Students in Canada. Please visit the YMHC website for further information.
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Shkaabe Makwa. Shkaabe Makwa plays a key role in connecting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and service providers across the province. Please visit the CAMH website for further information.
Indigenous Education Special Recognition Days
The DCDSB acknowledges and/or promotes the following special recognition days or events related to Indigenous Education in the 2021-2022 school year.
- Orange Shirt Day - September 30
- Treaties Recognition Week - November 1-5
- International Inuit Day - November 7
- National Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8
- Rock your Mocs Week - November 14 -20
- Louis Riel Day - November 16
- Moose Hide Campaign Day - February 11
- Louis Riel Day - February 21
- National Indigenous Languages Day - March 31
- National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) - May 5
- Indigenous Peoples History Month - The month of June
- Nunavut Day - July 9
Contact us
For questions or more information, email our Indigenous Education department at IndigenousEducation@dcdsb.ca or call 905- 576-6150 ext. 22181.