UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

November 16, 2017 (Brockville, ON) – Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and members of the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE) renewed an Educational Services Agreement on November 8, 2017, during an official signing ceremony in Brockville.

UCDSB Chair Jeff McMillan and Grand Chief Abram Benedict of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne signed the five-year agreement during the UCDSB Board meeting, while AMBE Director of Education Donna Lahache and other AMBE representatives looked on.

The agreement contracts the UCDSB to continue providing quality educational services to high school students from Akwesasne who attend Board schools in Cornwall. It enhances opportunities to serve students, including encouraging UCDSB and AMBE teachers to: engage in joint professional development opportunities, pursue community outreach events, and promote Mohawk-as-a-Second Language programs.

Chair Jeff McMillan said the agreement represents an important and dedicated partnership between AMBE and the UCDSB which allows for greater understanding and cooperation between the two boards.

“It’s a very special agreement,” said McMillan. “We’ve always been proud of our relationship with the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education and tonight’s agreement is an extension of that pride.”

Lahache said the agreement represents a greater level of partnership and cooperation between the two Boards than with similar contracts in place across Canada. 

“This is more than just a document,” added Lahache. “It’s about continuing the relationship that has been established in terms of the staff in place, the work done in collaboration, and the conversations we have around student success. For us it means there’s definitely a strong connection.”

That strong relationship means AMBE representatives are regularly invited to participate in UCDSB ceremonies and work with Upper Canada staff when necessary to solve student issues.   

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