“Throughout June, we recognize National Indigenous History Month, and we honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions that Indigenous peoples have made and continue to make.

As Catholic teachers, we have a responsibility, this month and throughout the school year, to take action in our classrooms to champion the important and necessary discussions about the rich histories of Indigenous peoples, the enduring pain and trauma caused by Canada’s residential school system, and the immediate action necessary to confront systemic anti-Indigenous racism in our society.

As educators, it is our responsibility to listen, to learn, and to understand our own history, so that we may continue to actively seek justice for the students we serve.

This June, and every day, we recommit ourselves to do everything we can to support reconciliation.

We demand that the federal government implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, promoting meaningful action toward addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We call on the provincial government to reinstate vital resources around Indigenous education. And we renew our pledge to serve our communities in the continued struggle to end discrimination for all Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Barb Dobrowolski, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association