UGDSB Indigenous students come together for discussion and workshop
February 21, 2019
GUELPH, Ontario – Secondary Indigenous students in the Upper Grand District School Board gathered in Fergus and Alton for two Indigenous Youth Gatherings.
An event was planned for Guelph and Wellington County students on February 19 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Fergus. On February 20, Indigenous students from Dufferin County came together at the Alton Mills Arts Centre.
The goal of these events was to hear from Indigenous students about what they would like to see added to Indigenous studies curriculum and to talk to other Indigenous students and community partners about identity.
Guest speakers included Nancy Rowe, representatives from the Métis Nation of Ontario and the University of Guelph.
Rowe is a Mississauga, Ojibwe of the Anishinaabek Nation located at New Credit First Nation. She is an educator and knowledge keeper. Rowe spoke to students on both days about the importance of water and how the way we treat other people affects their water, health and well-being.
Students participating in the Dufferin event had the additional experience of talking about fire and how fire is symbolic in Indigenous culture. Fire holds spiritual meaning in Indigenous communities and is often the focal point when people gather to have meaningful discussion and celebrations.
The Métis Nation of Ontario provided students with resources, program information and wellness materials, as well as job opportunities Indigenous students can get in our community.
The University of Guelph spoke to students about the support and resources available to Indigenous students on campus and provided information that will help students transition to post-secondary education.
Throughout both days, students engaged in meaningful conversations and had the opportunity share their voices about many topics surrounding their education.
Categories: News Tags: Indigenous Education