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 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 towards respectful relationships, decolonization, and Indigenization of the curriculum. Read the OCSB Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action to learn more.
Stories from our Schools
Read about how Indigenous teachings are integrated into many of the activities taking place in our schools
Educator activities
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.
Meet the OCSB Indigenous Education Team
Visit our Indigenous Education website for staff.
Follow us on Twitter @ocsbIndigenous
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 our 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, and the minutes are posted below.
Meeting minutes will be posted as meetings occur this year.