What is the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC)?
In 2014, through the Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework Implementation Plan, the Ministry of Education indicated that all school boards would establish formalized processes, such as establishing IEACs to support local implementation of the framework. IEAC would provide guidance to school boards and schools in building stronger relationships with their communities, sharing information, identifying promising practices, and enhancing collaborative work to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student achievement and well-being.
How Many Times does the IEAC Meet?
The IEAC Committee meets at least four times every school year. Committee members can attend meetings either in person or via teleconference or Zoom.
Who Can Join?
Parents or guardians of students who self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit. First Nations, Métis or Inuit community partners and community members.
SNCDSB IEAC's Focus is to:
- Increase ALL student and staff awareness, knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, history, contributions and perspectives.
- Build and strengthen meaningful partnerships between SNCDSB and our Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Improve academic outcomes and wellbeing for SNCDSB Indigenous students.
- Educate and promote Indigenous Self-Identification.
Who Are the Current Members?
- Judy Wawia, Chair - Lake Helen Red Rock Indian Band, Chair of SNCDSB
- Val Auger, Co-Chair - Education Officer Pays Plat First Nation
- Martha Taylor - Ginoogaming First Nation
- Victor Chapis - Ginoogaming First Nation
- Christopher Hill - Ginoogaming First Nation
- Malcolm Charles - Ginoogaming First Nation
- Tymara Ruth - Director of Education Red Rock Indian Band
- Ted Wawia - Councillor - Red Rock Indian Band
- Shirley Jean - Trustee, SNCDSB
- Tara Patterson - Trustee, SNCDSB
- Maria Vasanelli - Director of Education, SNCDSB
- Paul Tsekouras - Superintendent of Education, SNCDSB
- Erin Roxborough - Indigenous Education Manager, SNCDSB
- Michelle Edmond - Attendance Counsellor, SNCDSB
- Patti Pella - Ministry of Education
- Brent Harris - Metis Nation Local Representative
- Brandy Brake-Weldon - Manager and Parent Dilico
- Marilyn Netemegesic - Elder - Rocky Bay/Red Rock Indian Band
- Randi Ray - Wabun Tribal Council - Flying Post First Nation
- Joshua LeClair - Kinoomaadziwin Education Body
- Susan Baril - Flying Post First Nation
- Pam Hardy - Education Director Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging
- Crystal Gionette - Parent, St. Edward Catholic School
- Sarah Clowes - Principal, SNCDSB
Where are the meetings?
Meeting locations rotate and are held either at St Edward School, Pays Plat First Nation, Lake Helen or in Ginoogaming First Nation.
All meetings are open to the public, and we encourage all of our community members to attend.