Jill Thompson takes the oath of office as DDSB's Indigenous representative

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

SCUGOG: The Durham District School Board's (DDSB) new Indigenous people's representative was officially sworn into office, at a meeting on Monday, March 20th.

At the meeting, Jill Thompson, who was appointed to the role of First Nations trustee in February, took her oath of office. At the time she was appointed, the DDSB stated in a press release, she would "have the same rights, roles and responsibilities as all other trustees" after she was sworn in.

"Tonight is indeed a special night. One [in which] we have the privilege of welcoming a new trustee, Jill Thompson, as First Nations representative to the Durham District School Board of Trustees. It is my hope that Jill's appointment to the board of trustees will support the growth of a meaningful partnership between treaty partners and the DDSB, and will foster respectful collaboration, to address the legacy of ongoing effects of the past and to make visible the possibilities of moving forward," Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor said.

Board Chair, Donna Edwards welcomed Ms. Thompson to the board of trustees. "Jill's appointment to the DDSB board of trustees is an important step towards ongoing reconciliation, and upholding the board's responsibilities and commitments set out in the Indigenous Education policy. We appreciate the opportunity, and look forward to learning from Trustee Thompson, while working together to meet the needs of all Indigenous students, families, and staff in the DDSB community."

Ms. Thompson was recommended for the role by Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chief Kelly LaRocca.