A banner made of four photos. The first photo shows a group of secondary school students wearing orange Every Child Matters shirts over their school uniforms, for Orange Shirt Day. The second photo shows an Indigenous knowledge keeper showing students how to traditionally prepare a fire during camping trip. The third photo shows a student doing an exercise in class for hand-weaving traditional Indigenous shoes. The fourth photo shows a presentation by the Equity Department at the CEC in collaboration with the Special Education Department, showing a collage of student artwork of Indigenous peoples and culture.

Advisory Committees

Indigenous Education Council

The Indigenous Education Council (IEC) was established in 2017 under the Ministry of Education's Ontario First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. The council advises the Board of Trustees and TCDSB staff on Indigenous Education programming, helps shape the annual Board Action Plan, and provides guidance on student achievement, self-identification, and community engagement. Members include parents, community organization representatives, an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, and TCDSB staff, meeting at least four times a year to share recommendations and best practices across the board. 

Upcoming Meeting Dates

  • September 15, 2026 

  • November 24, 2026 

Past Meeting Minutes

If you are looking to access previous meeting minutes, please contact us.

Terms of Reference

Composition of Indigenous Education Council

8 to 10 representatives of the community to include:

  • 2 TCDSB parents

  • 3 Community organization representatives

  • 1 TCDSB Principal​

  • 1 Elder and/or Knowledge Keeper

  • 1 Indigenous Central Resource Teacher

  • 1 Superintendent of Indigenous Education

Qualifications of members

  • All positions are voluntary.

  • Members must be of Indigenous speaking background.

  • Various expertise must be represented.

  • Gender parity and diversity must be represented.

Terms of Service

The term will be 3 years. Members can hold maximum 2 consecutive terms of 3 years. The council will review membership and may consider removal of it upon missing two consecutive meetings.

Nomination and Selection Process

As per Board policy, public notice of the positions and process for selection of Indigenous Advisory community members be advertised in Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) bulletins and TCDSB newsletters.

Community members will recommend the nominated candidates for Board approval. Application forms will be brought to the council members for review.

IEAC Membership Application Form

Responsibilities

Aside from those responsibilities outlined in the Terms of Reference, council members shall attend no less than 50% of the council meetings.

Contact

We are here to help and to answer any questions you might have.

Andre O’Bonsawin
Indigenous Affairs Advisor
Email: andre.o'bonsawin@tcdsb.org