First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education

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Aaniin, Sago, Tansi, Tunngasugitti, Welcome!
At the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, we strive to learn from the past, to help us in the present as we prepare for the future. This includes a shared commitment to reconciliation through education. Rooted in respect, compassion, and faith, we continue to learn about our shared history as well as First Nation, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing, contributions and role models - with student well-being and achievement at the core. As we live, learn, play and pray together on this traditional territory, we are called to model and foster relationship building and culturally affirming work and learning environments.

In our schools, we are committed to growing and learning from First Nation, Métis and Inuit voices. Together, we learn about the history, unique perspectives, contributions and ways of knowing among First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. Learn more about Indigenous (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) Education in Ontario.

Land/Territorial Acknowledgement


A land or territorial acknowledgement honours our local history and community partners with a connection to the land that dates back thousands of years. This is viewed as a small but important step in reconciliation through education that can be incorporated with morning announcements or at the beginning of important events. Learn more about the significance of land/territorial acknowledgements.

Voluntary Self-Identification

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) provides students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry and their parents/guardians the opportunity to voluntarily self-identify. Proof of ancestry is not required.

Students and families may voluntarily self-identify during the registration process or by contacting the school's office to update their registration form.

Please review Policy LE-18 and the registration page of our website for more information.

Benefits of Self-Identification

Families can receive timely access to important information, resources and community-based opportunities that may be of interest.

Our board also has identified roles to provide culturally responsive services to students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry. To access or learn more about the following, please contact your child's school:


Graduation Coach Services (Grades 7-12)
Supports pathways and various transition points (e.g., elementary to secondary, secondary to post-secondary and to the workplace). Please visit our Awards, Bursaries & Scholarship Guide for information about funding opportunities, deadlines and eligibility requirements.


Itinerant Teacher Services (Grades 9-12)
Supports student achievement and academic success

Clinical Services  (Grades K-12)
With an identity affirming, culturally responsive approach, supports students’ mental health, learning and well-being

First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Advisory Circle (EAC)


The EAC guides our school board and schools in building stronger relationships with communities, sharing information, identifying promising practices and enhancing collaborative work to support First Nation, Métis and Inuit student achievement and well-being. 


Supporting Smudging in Schools and Other Board Sites


In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Simcoe Muskoka Cathoilc District School Board affirms the use of traditional medicines as part of smudging and culturally responsive practices.

Smudging is a sacred practice and protected right for students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry that may be accessed during the school day. It involves the burning of traditional medicines such as sage. A small amount of rising smoke is used to spiritually cleanse the heart, mind and spirit.

To support this practice, smudging will take place in a designated space that is well-ventilated and meets health and safety requirements.

At this time of Truth and Reconciliation, this system-wide approach to smudging and related protocols are in alignment with Call to Action 63iii which supports intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect. This approach also supports our board's multi-year strategic planning goal of strengthening equity and inclusion.