‘Historic decision’: York Region school board creates Indigenous trustee position

Position 'sends a bold message about disrupting disproportionality'

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 12, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

York Region District School Board said it has unanimously approved on Dec. 10 the addition of new permanent Indigenous trustee and Indigenous student trustee positions.

“This historic decision sends a bold message about disrupting disproportionality and disparity for our Indigenous students,” said Cecil Roach, YRDSB’s co-ordinating Superintendent of Education -- Indigenous Education and Equity.

YRDSB said its board staff will “collaborate with Indigenous partners to determine a process for appointing the new Indigenous trustees.”

“The goal is to fill both positions as soon as appropriate processes have been developed.”

Louise Sirisko, YRDSB’s Director of Education, dubbed the decision as an “important step” as it “demonstrates the commitment of our Board to build relationships, and to learn and work together with Indigenous peoples to ensure all of our students have every opportunity to succeed.”

Meanwhile, the newly appointed YRDSB Chair Juanita Nathan said, “We look forward to welcoming and working with our new Indigenous Trustee and Indigenous Student Trustee in the best interests of our students.”

“As a Board of Trustees, we are serious about enhancing Indigenous Education in our Board and demonstrating our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and we need to hear those voices represented at the Board table,” Nathan added.