Durham District School Board, the Durham Catholic District School Board and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and its schools will be holding a variety of activities in November during the fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. “We sincerely believe that all of our students, staff and communities are enriched by learning about the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada,” says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board. “It is also important that students be aware of the continuing relevance of historic treaties reached between the government and Indigenous peoples, and of the tragic, multi-generational legacy of residential schools.” “We have taken many positive steps in transforming the educational experiences of all students to include historically and culturally accurate learning about Indigenous peoples, cultures and perspectives,” adds Dr. Jennifer Leclerc, Director of Education. “Cultural competency training for staff, introduction of the compulsory Contemporary Indigenous Voices English course for Grade 11 students, and ongoing school visits by Indigenous knowledge keepers have helped in this regard, but we know we still have work to do.” As part of Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, the Board also is marking Treaties Recognition Week November 4th to 8th, Inuit Day on November 7th and Louis Riel Day on November 16th. In addition, schools across KPR are holding, or participating in, a variety of special events, such as Inuit artist and sculptor, David Ruben Piqtoukun will be teaching about soap stone carvings, various schools will participate in National Indigenous Veterans’ Day, and a Metis flag raising. For further information, contact Judy Malfara, School Liaison and Communications Lead, at 705-742-9773 or toll-free at 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2001, or by email at judy_malfara@kprdsb.ca.