Land Acknowledgement
DSBN’s Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement made at the beginning of meetings, events and other occasions to publicly recognize Indigenous peoples and their unique relationship to ancestral lands and territories upon which DSBN and its schools are located. It serves as a reminder of treaties, agreements and our responsibilities to uphold them, care for the land and maintain peaceful relationships with one another.
We begin this gathering by acknowledging the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today.
This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.
Today, this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendships of Indigenous peoples.
Welcome to the District School Board of Niagara!
At the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), we believe that success looks different for every learner. Each student brings their own strengths, interests, identities, and lived experiences into our schools. While every learner is unique, students share a common need – to feel seen, heard, valued and supported as they learn and grow. This belief is reflected in DSBN’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, Redefining Excellence. Shaped by the voices of students, staff, families, and community members across Niagara, the plan guides our decisions, shapes our culture and keeps students at the centre of everything we do. It challenges us to rethink what excellence means and calls on us to create learning environments rooted in care, inclusion, innovation, and strong relationships.
Through Redefining Excellence, we commit to:
- Honouring student voice and empowering learners as partners in their education
- Advancing equity and belonging, so every student feels safe, respected, and valued
- Supporting well-being, recognizing that mental health and wellness are essential to learning
- Building strong relationships with families, community partners, and one another
Learning is not about fitting into a single definition of success. It is about learning and growing together – as individuals and as a community. Our schools are welcoming, inclusive places where students are challenged, encouraged and supported to be their authentic selves.
We work alongside students to understand who they are today and who they are becoming, and we reflect that understanding in the supports, programs, and opportunities we provide. From academics to athletics, the arts to experiential learning, our schools offer a wide range of pathways that encourage curiosity, confidence, and growth.
Thank you for being part of the DSBN community. Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and redefine what excellence means for every student.
Sincerely,
Kelly Pisek
Chief Executive Officer, District School Board of Niagara
About the DSBN
The District School Board of Niagara proudly serves more than 43,000 students across 80 elementary and 16 secondary schools in the 12 municipalities of the Niagara Region.
The DSBN is governed by a Board of elected Trustees and supported by more than 4,600 teachers and support staff whose dedication and expertise are the foundation of our success. Together, they form a supportive, innovative community committed to doing what is best for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Whether in classrooms, offices, school cafeterias or on playing fields, DSBN staff bring our mission of lifelong learning to life, helping every student reach their full potential.