The Niagara Catholic District School Board honours the Indigenous people who have been the protectors of this land known as Turtle Island for more than 10,000 years.
We recognize the land on which we learn and work is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Agreement.
Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.
Niagara Catholic is committed to Truth and Reconciliation. We are listening, we are learning, and we are called to action. Learn more about our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation here.
Meet Niagara Catholic's Indigenous Team:
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Gary Parker, Indigenous Lead
Gary oversees Niagara Catholic's Indigenous team, working with staff to support them in meetings with the Indigenous community and with families. He also provides cultural support and direction for all events and initiatives.
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Marie Bowering, Indigenous Community Connections Facilitator
Marie works with schools to identify and secure resources for Indigenous students from within their community. She establishes and builds relationships between schools and partners in the Indigenous Community. She also facilitates referrals to Community resources and supports staff for students and families.
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Cindlee Ecker-Flagg, Indigenous Student Engagement and Success Coach
The Indigenous Student Engagement and Success Coach collaborates with principals, teachers, and support staff to create and maintain places of belonging for Indigenous students. Cindilee also offers support and guidance to students moving from elementary to secondary school and secondary school to post-secondary education, an apprenticeship, or the workplace.
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Angela Ventresca, Indigenous Curriculum Consultant
Angela joins the Indigenous team as Indigenous Curriculum Consultant. This includes focusing on programs designed for Indigenous students and content focused on the Indigenous experience, perspective, arts, and culture for non-Indigenous students. Angela will work with staff about resources available to support and enhance these programs and will also consult with principals and school staff to support Indigenous education activities.
Indigenous Education at Niagara Catholic:
Niagara Catholic supports Indigenous students' unique learning needs. The Indigenous Education team meets students where they are on their academic journey. By having Indigenous educators walk with them, students feel supported and nurtured.
Many Indigenous students attend our traditional elementary and secondary schools. Others thrive in a non-traditional classroom setting and attend our St. Kateri school. Here, students explore their culture through land-based learning.
It is important for all students to see themselves in their leaders and in their school. Niagara Catholic continues to invest in books, music, art, and programs that are culturally relevant to Indigenous students.
Self-identified students take part in sessions designed to encourage them to stay in school. We value our relationships with the Indigenous community and are grateful for their support for Indigenous student success. These organizations provide valuable education and opportunities for Indigenous students to discover new pathways and reach their full potential.
Niagara Catholic continues to advance the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Report. We acknowledge the past and commit to listening and learning from those speaking the truth.
All students benefit when they learn from different cultures and experiences. Non-Indigenous students are learning more about the important roles Indigenous people played in Canadian history. Books by and about Indigenous people are finding more space on library shelves. Niagara Catholic also invests in bringing Indigenous speakers to our schools.
Please speak to your child's school for self-identification information.