The Upper Grand District School Board recognizes National Indigenous History Month every June and encourages staff, students, and families to celebrate the rich and distinct histories, traditions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
Each year, the Indigenous Education team provides staff with a full-month of learning opportunities, weekly topics and extension activities to encourage reflection and inspire action.
On June 17, elementary staff will have the opportunity to explore Canadian Geographic's Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map during an evening professional development session. Participants will have time to learn more about the grade-specific learning activities that have been developed by the Indigenous Education team and explore ways they can use this interactive resource in their classrooms.
Throughout the month, the Indigenous Education team will also be supporting a series of recorded, in-person visits and livestreams for K-12 classrooms, including virtual visits with Anishinaabe artist and activist Isaac Murdoch as well as James Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis hosted by McMaster University.
Akinomaagayegaamikoong (formerly the Outdoor Education Centre at Island Lake Conservation Area) will host a residency with Métis community partners Jennifer Parkinson and Leslie-Anne Muma to teach elementary students about hunting and trapping skills alongside Métis games. In addition, Anishinaabe artist Naomi Smith will host two sessions during Indigenous History Month to teach Indigenous students about the importance of animal hides and making medicine pouches, and another session with secondary Indigenous students where they will make their own moccasins. Indigenous students and their families have also been invited to attend a Family Night the team is hosting on the evening of June 5.