June 23rd, 2025

Written by Brook Doersam

Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) staff, along with 120 educators, local Indigenous community members, and partners, gathered at the Education Centre for the Indigenous Voices Spring Learning Symposium. The day was filled with learning, listening, dialogue, and reflection and centered on the cultural knowledge and personal narratives of local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit voices.

This professional development session is one of the many ways the WRDSB is building relationships rooted in reciprocity, respect, and responsibility. Through stories, teachings, and conversations, participants explored their roles in supporting Indigenous education while honouring the voices of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples. Local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members were instrumental in shaping and grounding these discussions.

As we continue this journey, we are reminded that learning is not just about knowledge; it’s about connection. Together, we are connecting to each other, to the land and to the past, present and future.

Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) commemorates National Indigenous History Month throughout June, and recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. This important time calls on us to honour the histories, contributions, and lived realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, and to reflect on how we situate ourselves on the traditional territories upon which we are privileged to live, learn, and work.

Learn more about how we are marking Indigenous History Month.