NORTHEASTERN CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
St. Joseph School Unveils New Indigenous Mural

To support their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, students and staff at St. Joseph School have been working with the NCDSB Indigenous Education team to promote cultural awareness in the school community. This commitment has involved working with Indigenous Support Workers and teachers to promote indigenous content in all areas across the Ontario curriculum, as well as field trip opportunities and visits with elders. It has also included various visual representations of indigenous culture in the school, involving displays supporting the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the creation of an Indigenous Space.

Recently, students and staff had the opportunity to work with Jessica Simmons, a renowned indigenous artist, to create a mural within the Indigenous Space at the school. The purpose of the mural is to support student understanding of indigenous knowledge and wisdom. The mural also explores water conservation, given the unofficial school motto as the "Little School on the Lake." Students in the school met with elders to draft ideas for the mural, and then had the chance to work with Ms. Simmons to sketch and paint the mural. The project was a great opportunity for students to learn while also playing a significant role in a school community project.