At the Upper Grand District School Board, we ensure the inclusion of First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories and perspectives in our schools, our system and our school communities. By recognizing and promoting an awareness of these histories and contemporary realities, we will support the holistic success of all our students, in particular our First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.

Policy 519 First Nation, Métis, Inuit Self-Identification and Education states that the Upper Grand District School Board acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are distinct from other equity seeking groups in that they are self-determining nations with inherent rights, laws, and institutions. Indigenous rights are distinct. It is the goal of the UGDSB to ensure that Indigenous staff and students are not deprived of their rights, and are provided with a learning and working environment that is free from racism and discrimination of any kind.

The UGDSB is committed to supporting staff and students who identify themselves as First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit. The UGDSB is also committed to supporting the education of staff and students on Indigenous Peoples and anti-Indigenous racism. Through this new policy, the board responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action by addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and protecting Indigenous Peoples’ right to education as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This policy is important to Indigenous Peoples, students, parents, staff, school councils, and community members because everyone has a responsibility to ensure Indigenous Peoples are not deprived of their rights, and are provided with a learning and working environment that is free from racism and discrimination of any kind.

Policy 519 was developed in collaboration with the Indigenous community partners who sit on the UGDSB First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Council. It is the result of years of conversations on how a school board can both promote and protect Indigenous education. View the policy and procedures manual.

Meet the Indigenous Education Team at UGDSB

For further information or questions, please contact:

• Colinda Clyne, Coordinating Principal of Indigenous Education at colinda.clyne@ugdsb.on.ca

• Jerica Fraser, Program Lead K-12 Indigenous Education at jerica.fraser@ugdsb.on.ca

• Amanda Spencer, Indigenous Transitions and Graduation Coach at amanda.spencer@ugdsb.on.ca

• Nicole Contreras, Transitions and Graduation Coach (Grades 7-12) Focus on Indigenous Students at Nicole.Contreras@ugdsb.on.ca

• Jennifer Shelleau, Indigenous-focused Child and Youth Counsellor at jennifer.shelleau@ugdsb.on.ca

• Crystal Michels, Indigenous-focused Social Worker (on leave until June 2025)

• Jennifer Bailey, Land-Based and Indigenous Education Teacher – Island Lake Conservation Area at jennifer.bailey@ugdsb.on.ca

• Connie Howald, Elementary Indigenous Education Resource Coach at connie.howald@ugdsb.on.ca

• Shannon Pryslak, Wahta Mohawks (Mohawk) Indigenous-focused Social Worker at shannon.pryslak@ugdsb.on.ca

• Cassandra Mota, Transitions Teacher (Grades 7-9) Focus on Indigenous Students at cassandra.mota@ugdsb.on.ca

• Cheri French, Administrative Assistant for Equity & Indigenous Education at cheri.french@ugdsb.on.ca