Indigenous Self-Identification
Indigenous self-identification is a process that provides an opportunity for those of Indigenous ancestry – First Nation, Inuit or Metis to voluntarily identify themselves to the Upper Canada District School Board.
The UCDSB, along with the Ministry of Education, has identified Indigenous Education as a priority and has identified two areas of focus:
- to improve achievement among First Nations, Metis and Inuit students; and
- to close the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
The UCDSB wants to provide First Nations, Metis and Inuit Students with educational opportunities that honour their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Benefits of self-identifying:
- access to cultural programming and information about post-secondary pathways;
- opportunities for Indigenous students such as First Nations, Metis and Inuit camps, bursaries and Indigenous Leadership Program (iLeads); and
- stronger partnership between Indigenous parents and communities.
The Indigenous self-identification form is voluntary and confidential. Parents/guardians or students over the age of 18 can fill out the self-identification form and return it to their school at any point during the school year.
