HPEDSB hosts the 10th annual Indigenous Education Leads' Gathering in Toronto, November 16 to 19, 2022
November 15, 2022—This week, Indigenous education workers from across Ontario are participating in the 10th annual Indigenous Education Leads’ Gathering in Toronto. Hosted by HPEDSB through the leadership of Troy Maracle, Indigenous Education Coordinator, the event spans three days, with the third day added this year specifically for Indigenous graduation coaches.
Approximately 275 participants are expected, consisting of Indigenous education leads, Indigenous graduation and student support workers, superintendents, Indigenous Education Advisory Committee members, directors of education, and trustees.
The Indigenous Education Leads’ Gathering is a grassroots event that was created to support Indigenous education work in Ontario. It has played an important role in nurturing relationships by creating a sense of community among Indigenous education staff, providing opportunities for learning best practices and strategies, and to bolster collaboration and confidence. The learning and sharing that has taken place through facilitated discussions, workshops and social networking has played a large role in helping Indigenous education progress in Ontario over the past decade.
Director of Education Katherine MacIver will open the event, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Sean Lessard, professor, researcher and international speaker from Montreal Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory who will share his expertise and findings about Indigenous student success. He will take participants through a process to evaluate their programs, identify if barriers or gaps exist and then facilitate opportunities for participants to address identified concerns together. Three Indigenous students will also share their perspectives and experiences in the education system, discuss areas they believe require attention, and offer suggestions about how to improve approaches.
The goal of first gathering in 2012 was to bring people together in service of Indigenous students, families and communities. The event continues to grow each year in scope and number of participants, building on the success of previous years and strengthening connections within the Indigenous education community through collaboration and sharing common goals. The relationships and supports built between Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators alike will enable them to address systemic barriers and continue to bring positivity and hope to Indigenous students, families and communities.