Equity |
Affirming IdentityThe District School Board of Niagara recognizes that providing students with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe, caring and respectful society is a shared responsibility in which the Board and schools play an important role. As a system, we are committed to raising our equity consciousness and fostering a school culture that is respectful of diversity, and one that prioritizes inclusive practices. As we move forward in our commitment to action equity and inclusion, we will respect the dignities of our students and their experiences. Pride and Joy: Supporting LGBTQ+ Student Success is a valuable resource for educators and is available on the DSBN website at https://www.dsbn.org/docs/default-source/equity/pride_and_joy.pdf?sfvrsn=d9e461f_2
Black History Month: It was the Canadian Negro Women’s Association that introduced the celebration of Black History Month to Toronto in the 1950’s. This black Canadian community initiative was adopted by the Ontario government in 1979, thanks to its championing by the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, the House of Commons declared a national Black History Month, which went into effect in 1996. Black History Month exists to remind us all of the rich contributions within our society from people of African and Caribbean decent, and of their ongoing struggle for equity and social justice. Teachers have the opportunity to engage their students, not only during this month but throughout the school year, on recognizing the strengths and resiliency of communities that historically have been marginalized, as well examining issues of racism and the impact of discrimination on these communities. 2021 Poster (Source of this information and for more black history posters, go to: https://www.etfo.ca/BuildingAJustSociety/EquityResources/pages/blackhistory.aspx)
Asian Heritage Month The month of May in Ontario is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Canadians from over 30 countries that make up the Asian and South Asian diaspora.Asian Heritage Month has been a focus of celebration in many communities across Canada since the 1990s. In December of 2001, Senator Vivienne Poy proposed a motion that was adopted by the Senate of Canada, designating May as Asian Heritage Month nationally. During May of 2002, the Government of Canada made this motion official by signing a declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. (Source of this information and for more Asian Heritage Posters, go to: https://www.etfo.ca/buildingajustsociety/equityresources/pages/asianheritagemonth.aspx) |
