In November, we celebrate Indigenous Education Month at the TDSB. This month provides an opportunity to centre Indigenous perspectives, histories and contemporary realities across the curricula. In classrooms across the city, we focus on treaties, the legacy of residential schools, as well as the achievements and accomplishments of Indigenous peoples’ in Canada.
Over the course of this month, students, staff and community members will be recognizing a number of important days to deepen knowledge and learn together about our shared history and build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario – November 6-10
Treaties Recognition Week is the first week of November every year. Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to support Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships.
During Treaties Recognition Week we recognize the treaties that shape Ontario and Canada to bring awareness to treaty rights and treaty relationships.
To mark the inaugural Treaties Recognition Week in 2016, the Ontario Government and Indigenous partners launched a dedicated online treaties resource library featuring educational guides, videos and tools developed by Indigenous organizations for teachers and students across the province. The Aboriginal Education Centre provides resources, presentations and speakers to schools throughout the TDSB.
Remembering Aboriginal Veterans – November 8 & November 11
November 8 is a day specifically dedicated to remembering Indigenous veterans and their contributions to war efforts on behalf of Canada. On November 11, we will be honouring Indigenous veterans as part of Remembrance Day ceremonies. Indigenous peoples have a long history of defending both here at home and also abroad.
Louis Riel Day – November 16
On November 16, Louis Riel Day is held to honour the sacrifices and the work of Métis leader Louis Riel and to recognize the many contributions of the Métis to Canada and to highlight the continuing struggles that Métis continue to encounter.
Inuit Day – November 7
Today is also an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the important relationship and history we share with the Inuit of Canada as we move forward in our journey of reconciliation and a renewed relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.