ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO

REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING

Advancing and Protecting Our Union, Our Values and Our Profession

22

Advancing First Nations, 

Métis and Inuit Education

In 2014, ETFO increased its commitment to advanc-
ing First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) profes-
sional development/learning and education. The 
Federation hired its first dedicated FNMI executive 
staff member to support a number of initiatives.

First Nations, Métis and 
Inuit Statement and Poster

ETFO amended its First Nations

, 

Métis and Inuit

 statement to 

ensure that the statement is 
inclusive of the Indigenous 
peoples affiliated in different 
lands in Ontario. An Aboriginal 
artist was contracted to design 
a poster with the new FNMI 
statement. Seven objects in 
the poster were selected for 

their symbolism related to diversity of FNMI 
peoples: an Inukshuk; an eagle feather; two 
drums; a Métis sash; an embroidered flower; and 
wampum belt. The poster and further explana-
tion about its design can viewed at http://www.
etfo.ca/AboutETFO/Governance/FNMIstatement/
Pages/default.aspx

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness 
Training for ETFO Staff

In April, presenters from the Kanyen’kehà:ka 
Experiential Learning Centre of the Six Nations 

of the Grand River Territory provided a three-
hour Aboriginal cultural competency workshop 
for ETFO staff. The session included information 
on the historical relationship with the government, 
intergenerational impacts, and the cultural values 
and beliefs of the people of the Six Nations area. 

Right to Play Partnership focuses 
on Aboriginal Students

In 2014, ETFO conducted a FNMI environmental 
scan examining over 25 ETFO services, programs 
and resources supporting Aboriginal education 
offered between 1999 and 2014. While this pro-
gramming has increased awareness and under-
standing of FNMI concerns, the effectiveness of 
these programs has not been assessed. Requests 
from local leaders suggest that members need 
appropriate strategies and skill sets for engaging 
Aboriginal children and families.

For assistance, ETFO turned to Right To Play Canada. 
For four years, the Federation has supported that 
organization’s work in promoting life skills among 
Aboriginal youth. An agreement was reached to 
develop an online survey and focus group to exam-
ine challenges that teachers of Aboriginal children 
face, and educational barriers faced by Aboriginal 
students. The information will be used to develop 
resources and teaching strategies.

Supporting FNMI Members Webinar

In December, a webinar was provided for local 
leaders to examine the unique challenges that 

ADVANCING EDUCATION AND EQUITY