On June 21, we enthusiastically celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day recognizes our ability to gather, learn and flourish through the guidance of our Elders, as we celebrate our language, culture, traditions, and communities. We celebrate this day fully mindful that we remain in strength despite colonial and assimilative actions and policies, despite the dark history of residential schools and the 60's scoop, despite being written out of history books, and despite the many ways that we have been dehumanized and disrespected over the course of centuries.
As Eeyouch, we have fought to remain sovereign and to maintain our Cree culture and language. We value the gifts of our ancestors and our relationship with the land. We hold the deepest gratitude for the work of former leaders whose commitment led us to self-determination in education, and our ability to use our education system as a means to maintain culture and language. At this time, and in the spirit of service to our children for generations to come, to the communities that we serve, to the Nation we are building, we commit the Cree School Board to centralizing Eeyou lihtuwin across our organizational structure.
Our Council of Commissioners prioritizes access to our Cree culture and language through our education system. Each commissioner brings passion, love and commitment for our culture and language. Our intent is to support our students in strengthening their Eeyou identity, so that they may obtain tools to confidently share our traditional values throughout their life journey.
We will move forward to: enhance the focus on learning Eeyou Ayimuwin to create strong Cree speakers; enhance the teaching and learning of Culture and tradition; ensure the place of cultural knowledge and Eeyou history across the curriculum and in all subject areas; focus on land-based education and authentic Eeyou learning experiences; and bring our Elders and our Youth together in the circle of learning.
On Indigenous People's Day, we re-commit to elevating Eeyou lihtuwin, to ensuring that our school system supports our children in the development of their identity and in finding strength in who they are as Eeyouch.
On behalf of the Council of Commissioners, Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day!
Dr. Sarah Pash,
Chairperson
Our Organization
Youth
Adult
Post-Secondary
