Grand Erie honours national Indigenous Peoples Day

To The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Grand Erie District School Board is amending its 2018-19 School Year Calendar for secondary students to re-designate Friday, June 21, 2019 as an instructional day instead of an exam day.

The decision, which was approved by Trustees recently, will ensure Indigenous students are not required to choose between writing an exam and participating in important cultural events to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is honoured each year on June 21. The decision aligns with Grand Erie’s Multi-Year Plan, Success for Every Student, and its commitment and focus on Equity.

“In the past, when an exam was held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, students have been accommodated by their school and were allowed to write their exam on an alternative date,” said Brenda Blancher, Grand Erie’s Director of Education. “While it was a great compromise, it’s not an acceptable one moving forward.”