On Friday, June 6, our secondary staff members came together at Cambrian College for our PD Day, “Honouring the Journey: A Gathering of Indigenous Voices.”

We had the honour of welcoming keynote speaker Dr. Anton Treuer. Dr. Treuer is a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, author of many impactful books, and a leader in equity, education, and cultural preservation. His keynote address to our secondary staff was thought provoking, insightful and inspiring. In Dr. Treuer’s words, “The tenor of racial reckoning is full of hope, though rarely comfortable. Let’s examine how we all do better, when we all do better.”

Alongside the keynote, staff took part in a variety of incredible workshops led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community partners, including sessions on Indigenous plant wisdom, unpacking and addressing racism in schools, cooking with the foods of our ancestors, basket making, and connecting to history through traditional games, among many others.

Not only is June National Indigenous History Month, but June 6th was Anishinaabe Giizhigad – Anishinaabe Day. It was particularly meaningful to engage in culturally grounded learning that deepens our understanding, strengthens relationships and honours the voices of First Nations, Metis and Inuit on this day.

A heartfelt Chi-Miigwech goes out to our Indigenous Education Team for the important role they played in creating this day and making it such a success.