Supports for Students & Families

Original Voices Youth Council 

Original Voices Youth Council is a space for Indigenous youth in OCDSB secondary schools grades 8-12 to connect with other First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, learn/share about Indigenous cultures, and speak their voice to guide positive change in the OCDSB. Students can accumulate community volunteer hours from attending meetings. A tasty meal will be provided and support with transportation is available.

For more information, please contact Nim'keehns Wemgiwans, Indigenous Graduation Coach.

Parent Involvement

Parents are invited to contact any member of the Indigenous Education and Learning Team to ask for help, information, or liaison work with schools.

OCDSB Indigenous Education Council (IEC)

The Indigenous Education Learning Team extends a warm invite to Indigenous students, parents/caregivers (of Indigenous students) in the OCDSB to join the OCDSB Indigenous Education Council (IEC). One of the mandates of the IEC is to actively engage with Indigenous parents and community partners to help provide an equitable and inclusive education and work environment for Indigenous students and staff. If you are interested in joining the Indigenous Education Council, please email Kris Meawasige, Team Manager, Indigenous Education.

Indigenous Self Identification

If you wish to self-identify, parents/caregivers are invited to complete the voluntary self-identification form and submit it to your child's school. For more information, see our Indigenous Self-Identification page.

Community Partners

Inuuqatigiit's Bridging the Gap (BTG) Student Support and Presenters

Inuuqatigiit’s Bridging the Gap Student Support Coordinator provides 1-to-1 support for Inuit students and families (grades K-12) to navigate the education system and to increase awareness of Inuit values, culture and history. External referral forms are to be submitted to Inini.

Inuuqatigiit’s Bridging the Gap Presenters are offering free virtual presentations for K-12 for OCDSB schools to increase awareness of Inuit culture and history through authentic learning experiences. Contact Holly Alguire for more information.