First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education – Self Identification

Parents of all UGDSB schools are asked to voluntarily identify their child as being of First Nation, Métis, or Inuit ancestry or non-Indigenous ancestry. Individual data will not be shared and will be kept confidential.

The data collected through the self-identification process will be the foundation of our efforts to further support the success and well-being of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in our board. 

The board’s actions are based on the government of Ontario’s First Nation Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. You can find out more about the province’s Indigenous education strategy at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal.

Download the Self Identification form (PDF)

Policy 519 First Nation, Métis, Inuit Self-Identification and Education

As mandated by the Ministry of Education, it is the policy of the UGDSB to provide students with the opportunity for voluntary self-identification as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit. The board is committed to supporting the achievement and well-being of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, and the education of staff and students on Indigenous Peoples, colonialism, and anti-Indigenous racism.

To review Policy 519 and the procedures manual, please visit the board website. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is it important for parents/guardians to participate in the Voluntary Self-identification? UGDSB schools continually strive to meet your child’s education needs. Completing and returning the Self Identification form will allow us to learn more about student achievement for all students in our system. We want to ensure we are meeting your child’s learning and developmental needs through appropriate supportive programming in the schools. Participating in student self identification process is voluntary.

Who is being asked to voluntarily self-identify? All new and existing elementary and secondary students are being given a Self Identification form. The information is provided on a voluntary basis.

What box do I select if my child is both Métis and First Nation (non-status)? The parent or guardian has the choice to select which ancestral background.

Is it mandatory for parents/guardians to self-identify their child? No. It is voluntary for parents/guardians to participate in this process. Parents/guardians have the option to not participate if they choose. The student information given is collected as a whole and kept confidential. Verification of ancestral background is not required.

How will my child benefit from answering the Voluntary Self-Identification question? Knowing how our students, as a whole, are doing in school will help us understand what education programs and methods are working, where additional programs and supports are required and what changes need to be made.

What specific information will be tracked? Information on ancestry such as First Nation (including Status/Non-Status), Métis and Inuit will be collected as a whole. In order to measure the success of all students, establishing baseline student data is required. Particular attention will be given to monitoring grade promotion/retention, academic performance, and graduation/dropout rates.

How is the information collected and maintained? All student information collected is kept confidential. These forms are securely stored to respect privacy and will be treated in the same manner as Ontario Student Record Guidelines, according to the Education Act and Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.

For further information or questions, please contact Colinda Clyne at (519) 822-4420 Ext. 727 or [email protected]