What an opportunity! Indigenous community partner Deb St. Amant and Christine Jamieson, Indigenous Education Support, were selected to present at this year's Indspire Educator Conference, November 5-7, where the theme was Transforming Education through Reconciliation. Co-presenting their workshop Circles of Influence: Classroom, School, System, Social Transformation, to a packed room resulted in many educators and administrators asking for more information on how to get started on reconciliation in their specific contexts. This conference is a fabulous opportunity to learn from and with nationally recognized leaders in Indigenous education. Highlights include attending workshops by other Board teams who generously share what is happening in their regions.

Another great experience was standing on the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada floor map resource for the first time. Many schools in Limestone have booked this resource for use with students. Photos: Grade 3/4s in Mr. Flegal's class at Granite Ridge, students in Ms. McConnell's NBE English class; educators at Canadian Geographic floor map workshop. For more informatin about the giant floor maps or to book, visit http://www.canadiangeographic.com/educational_products/

Abigail Lesage-Cooper is an engaged student leader. In grade 11 she accepted an invitation to present to educators at Frontenac Secondary School for a professional development day that featured all Indigenous voices - she said yes. She co-presented with FSS alumna Leslie St Amour. They shared their lived experiences as students at Frontenac to help educators understand what role they need to play in making their school a place that promotes and supports Indigenous students. Abigail also presented to LDSB teachers of grade 11 English working to integrate Indigenous literatures into their classes. Students and educators in both LDSB and Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic DSB at the Student Leadership Event had the opportunity to hear from Abigail in workshops in May 2018. Students worked together to plan ways to support Indigenous students in their schools. In a recent interview, here's what she had to say.

What would you like to share about your family? My family is Anishinabek from Kitigan Zibi in Maniwake, Quebec. My Nani is from there which is Algonquin territory.

What are some of your best experiences in Frontenac Secondary School?

It was not just Indigenous students taking on what needs to be done. I like the collaborations between Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students and how we invite family and community to be involved in all the work we are doing. Attending my first Four Winds Student Conference changed everything for me. At a young age my dad tried his best to arrange activities and events by looking for Elders and knowledge keepers in the community. The one I enjoyed best was the Meidicne Wheel teaching we attended together. At Four Winds, I got to learn with many Elders and knowledge keepers all in one day and then I took my teachings home to my dad. The following year I was able to attend with my dad, and he was so happy to learn with me.

The annual Lacrosse Friendship Game in May with students from Moira Secondary School (now Eastside Secondary) in Belleville, is a big event we took on as a class; learning to work together was great. Learning teachings around strawberries and the Strawberry Moon and working with Carol Anne Maracle, the caterer, I noticied all the work she put into preparing the Three Sisters Soup and awesome frybread to make everyone feel welcome. Participating in the Round Dance led by Mandy and Charlene Smart and Crystal Loft from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, let us all show unity that day. The 500 people who came to have lunch and watch the game that day, all dancing, was so great. Everyone was smiling and everyone wanted to be part of that energy.

What was a personal highlight for you as a student leader? Getting to present the following year at Four Winds Student Conference in front of 100s of LDSB and ALCDSB students and teachers with my peers about What Students Can Do for Reconciliation and then being invited to present to the trustees at LDSB for Indigenous Education month was really motivating. It was great to have all those adults at the school board really listening to me and engaged in reconciliation. I also participated in the first ever Student Voice Day. I understand the power of student voice, using my voice and that by speaking up I will help future students who go to school in LDSB.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like to do ballet at 5678 Dance Studio – I do about seven hours a week to stay fit and to keep myself in a positive mindset.

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in the future?

I got accepted at Trent and Carlton and I am waiting on the University of Toronto. I am working on my Queen’s Personal Statement of Excellence. I am thinking about Indigenous Studies and Gender Womens Studies and dream of a career where I work as a bridge between Indigenous peoples and the government.

There are currently 645 self-identified First Nation, Métis and Inuit students attending schools within LDSB. Census population statistics would suggest that there is double this number in the school system. Benefits of filling in the form for the Standing Proud Indigenous Self-Identification process: focused support until graduation, invitations to attend Indigenous cultural events and programming, more classrooms will celebrate Indigenous peoples' histories, literatures, cultures and perspectives, teachers and staff will better understand Indigenous students, schools will better understand their Indigenous students' needs and achievements, access to the Indigenous Support Counsellor and access to leadership and college and university programs for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.

A digital copy of the Self-Identification Registration is available online at the Board website in Indigenous Education. Paper copies go home to all students in November. For further information contact your school or Gillianne Mundell, Indigenous Education & Reconciliation Lead at 613-544-6925, Ext. 248 or Gillianne Mundell.