The Upper Grand District School Board recognizes October 4 as Sisters in Spirit Day also known as National Day of Action for murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S). This day recognizes those who’ve been harmed by violence — as well as their families and community members. We recognize the tireless work of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to raise awareness and honour the memory of MMIWG2S throughout Canada and beyond.
We encourage all school staff to familiarize themselves with the Calls for Justice that was formed from the National Inquiry into #MMIWG2S.The Calls for Justice offers a roadmap for governments, institutions, social service providers, education staff, industries and all Canadians to end this genocide.
There are specific Calls for Justice for Educators (11.1 and 11.2), as well as Calls for Justice for all Canadians and can be accessed in Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls found here: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Calls_for_Justice.pdf
Educators are also encouraged to read Their Voices Will Guide Us that was developed to support educators in teaching about the value of Indigenous women and girls in their classroom and work towards decolonizing their pedagogies and curricula. This resource provides support in teaching about this topic in age-appropriate ways from early years to secondary school and beyond. https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NIMMIWG-THEIR-VOICES-WILL-GUIDE-US.pdf