Board Action Plan

The Indigenous Board Action Plan (BAP) is an annual, Ministry-required document that details the specific initiatives the DSBN will implement to enhance the achievement and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Created collaboratively with Indigenous partners throughout Niagara, the BAP directs how the Indigenous Education Grant is used and highlights key priorities such as culturally responsive programming, professional development for staff, empowering student voices and leadership, and fostering meaningful connections with Indigenous families and communities.

The 2024–2025 Indigenous Board Action Plan focused on the following key areas.

Supporting Indigenous Students

DSBN continued to create more opportunities for Indigenous students to share their voices and show leadership. This included the Indigenous Student Trustee, the Indigenous Student Leadership Circle, and student gatherings from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Students also received extra support from Indigenous Support Advisors, Student Success Teachers, and a Social Worker. These supports helped students with learning, well-being, and navigating school in ways that respect their culture and experiences.

Partnerships with Brock University, Niagara College, and apprenticeship programs helped students plan for life after high school and explore different pathways.

Working with Community

The Indigenous Education Council continued to guide DSBN’s work and strengthen relationships with Indigenous families and communities.

DSBN worked closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Métis Senators, parents, students, and community partners. Their voices helped shape decisions and programs across the board. This collaboration helped create safer, more welcoming spaces and ensured student well-being remained a priority.

Supporting Educators and Staff

Educators and staff took part in learning opportunities to better understand Indigenous histories, cultures, and present-day experiences.

This included workshops, community-led learning, additional qualification (AQ) courses, and trauma-informed practices. Teacher Navigators in schools helped staff find the right resources and use culturally respectful approaches in classrooms.

Supporting All Students

Indigenous learning was built into lessons and activities across all grades, from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

This work supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and provincial learning requirements. All students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, had opportunities to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, contributions, and lived experiences in meaningful ways.

Using Data to Improve

The Indigenous Education Team reviewed information about student learning, well-being, and participation for students who chose to self-identify as Indigenous.

Feedback from students, families, educators, and community partners helped guide decisions and improve programs. This information supported better understanding of what is working and where changes are needed.

Indigenous Education Team

DSBN’s Indigenous Education Team includes staff who work directly with students and staff who support learning across the system.

Student-focused staff helped learners access cultural supports, community programs, and mental health and well-being services. System-focused staff supported educators with teaching resources and meaningful Indigenous learning.

Together, the team helped strengthen relationships between home and school and reduce barriers to student success.