Indigenous Education

Honouring Your Child’s Indigenous Ancestry

Honouring Your Child’s Indigenous Ancestry

We provide every student at the Ottawa Catholic School Board with meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous peoples and participate in Indigenous-centred activities. If your child self-identifies as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit, we also provide further culturally-relevant programming to honour your child’s Indigenous ancestry and support their academic success.

We Acknowledge

We respectfully acknowledge that our schools and Board office are located on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded Indigenous territory of the Algonquin Peoples, on whose territory we pray, learn, play, and work.

We Acknowledge

We respectfully acknowledge that our schools and Board office are located on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded Indigenous territory of the Algonquin Peoples, on whose territory we pray, learn, play, and work.

We open assemblies, gatherings, and board meetings with a Land Acknowledgement to show respect for Indigenous peoples and to acknowledge that we are working toward educating all those within the OCSB about the true history of the place we now call Canada. This is a practical action we can take in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action to build positive and reciprocal relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples.

OCSB Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

Indigenous knowledge is fundamental to understanding the physical world. We are committed to teaching all students and staff the complete and honest history of Canada. We must begin to create pathways toward respectful relationships, decolonization, and Indigenization of the curriculum. Read the OCSB Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action to learn more.

students at OCSB class
students at OCSB class

Indigenous Self-Identification

Indigenous self-identification is entirely voluntary and confidential. Proof of ancestry is NOT required.

You can self-identify when you register for school or complete the Indigenous Self-Identification Form online using the button below.

If you prefer a paper form, you can request a copy from your school.

Indigenous Education Advisory Committee

The OCSB’s Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) is composed of Elders, Indigenous community members, educators, administrators, students, and parents. It meets four times a year to discuss issues that impact Indigenous education in Ottawa Catholic schools.

Meeting minutes will be posted on this section as meetings occur throughout the year.

Indigenous Education Advisory Committee

The OCSB’s Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) is composed of Elders, Indigenous community members, educators, administrators, students, and parents. It meets four times a year to discuss issues that impact Indigenous education in Ottawa Catholic schools.

Meeting minutes will be posted on this section as meetings occur throughout the year.

Connect With Indigenous Education Initiatives

The Indigenous Education team is proud to collaborate with Indigenous partners to provide students with valuable learning opportunities, which respect protocols. We also support the achievement of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students by developing a culture where all students feel valued and respected.

 

Connect With Indigenous Education Initiatives

The Indigenous Education team is proud to collaborate with Indigenous partners to provide students with valuable learning opportunities, which respect protocols. We also support the achievement of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students by developing a culture where all students feel valued and respected.

 

Discover Inspiring Stories from Our Schools

Discover Inspiring Stories from Our Schools

Treaties Recognition Week: Together We Build Bridges

Each November, the Ottawa Catholic School Board takes time to reflect on Treaties Recognition Week. It is a special moment to honour the lasting agreements that guide relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada. These treaties remind us...

Honouring Culture and Community: OCSB Indigenous Education Team Hosts First Boardwide Indigenous Student Cultural Celebration & Pow Wow at St. Patrick’s High School

St. Patrick’s High School came alive with colour, music, and spirit as it proudly hosted a vibrant, all-day Indigenous Student Cultural Gathering and Pow Wow – a powerful event for the OCSB community. Students, elders, educators, and community leaders from...

Honouring Indigenous History Month 2025: Learning, Respect, and Reconciliation at OCSB

June marks Indigenous History Month across Canada—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. At the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), we are proud to continue our commitment to truth, respect, and...

Charting a Path: Exploring the Great Lakes from an Indigenous Viewpoint

Mrs. Noble’s class at St. Brigid’s School recently visited the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to celebrate the launch of the Biinaagami Giant Floor Map of the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence watershed. This Deep Learning experience highlights the journeys of...

Honouring The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2024

From September 23 to September 27, OCSB students will participate in school-based and community-organized learning experiences to prepare for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Then, on September 30, they will join the Nation to observe the day from an...

Indigenous Womanhood Mural at St. Kateri Tekakwitha School

Bringing Indigenous Representation to Life: A Collaborative Mural Project This year, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School and St. Matthew High School embarked on a mission to bring Indigenous representation to life through a stunning mural. Partnering with Indigenous artist...

Bridging Cultures: A Journey of Reconciliation with the Ottawa Catholic School Board

Forging Bonds In February, students from Notre Dame and Sacred Heart Catholic High Schools went on a cultural exchange journey to Fort Providence in the Northwest Territories. They experienced the vibrant traditions of the Dene community at Deh Gah School,...