Administrative Procedure 399: Voluntary First Nation, Métis, Inuit Self Identification

Education Act: Part II - School Attendance; Education Act: Section 265 Duties of Principal - Register Pupils Guideline OSR; Education Act: Section 266 Pupil Records; Education Act: Section 286 Duties of Supervisory Officers: Report to Minister; Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: Information Banks, Access to Records, Retention; Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; Ontario Human Rights Code; The Constitution Act; Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework; Building Bridges to Success for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, Strengthening Our Learning Journey

This administrative procedure reflects Avon Maitland District School Board’s (AMDSB) alignment with Call to Action 63 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which highlights the importance of building intercultural understanding and respect in education. It is also guided by the Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework (2007) and Article 33 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, affirming the right of Indigenous Peoples to self-determine their identity.

The purpose of this procedure is to implement a consistent, respectful, and culturally responsive process for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students to feel comfortable with and benefit from self-identifying with the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB). As more caregivers and students trust in this self-identification process, the AMDSB can better: (1) understand the achievement outcomes for Indigenous students, (2) design and implement targeted initiatives to support academic success and well-being, and (3) provide enhanced educational opportunities and experiences for Indigenous students.

The First Nation, Métis and Inuit Voluntary Self-Identification Administrative Procedure outlines the multiple opportunities for families and students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry to self-identify, as well as the specific system-wide procedures for storing, accessing and using this information.

This administrative procedure is supported by the following:
1. School Registration Form 302A
2. Confirmation of Contact and Personal Information Form 302C
3. Electronic Voluntary Self-Identification Form (available on the board website)
4. Voluntary Self-Identification Brochure (Appendix A)

 

 

2.1 Caregivers of students under the age of 18 may self-identify on behalf of their children. Students aged 18 and older may self-identify independently.

2.2 Caregivers or students may de-identify at any time.

2.3 Participation in the self-identification process is entirely voluntary. No proof of ancestry is required.

2.4 Voluntary self-identification data will be collected at the time of enrolment through the Avon Maitland District School Board’s official forms, including Form 302A: Student Enrolment Form and Form 302C Confirmation of Contact & Personal Information Form, which is distributed to parents each fall.

2.5 Categories for self-identification include First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

2.6 Opportunities for self-identification are accessible during initial student registration using Form 302A or Form 302C annual student information updates and year-round via both a brochure and an electronic form available on the Avon Maitland District School Board website.

3.1 Voluntary self-identification data will be collected through official Avon Maitland District School Board forms, including Form 302A: Student Enrolment Form, and/or electronic or physical self-identification forms available throughout the school year.

3.2 All data will be securely stored within Avon Maitland District School Board’s student information system and the Ontario Student Record and protected from unauthorized disclosure as per Administrative Procedures 195 and 370.

3.3 Self-identification data will be collected, retained and managed in compliance with the Education Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

4.1 Collected individual data will be shared with central staff, such as the Indigenous Education Team, to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. This includes supporting individual student academic success and well-being, developing culturally relevant programming such as land-based learning and Indigenous language supports, and gathering feedback to understand program impact.

4.2 Anonymized and aggregate data will be used to develop and drive the professional development of staff to advance the application of culturally responsive, relevant, and sustaining pedagogy.

4.3 Collected data will be used to support and plan for the learning experiences of Indigenous students as outlined in the Seven Fundamental Principles in Administrative Procedure 377.

4.4 AMDSB will share self-identification data with the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) through the Ontario Student Information System (OnSiS) to inform provincial policy, program development, and funding allocations to improve Indigenous student outcomes.

4.5 Individual self-identification student data will not be released publicly.

5.1 The Board will implement clear and consistent communication strategies to ensure all families understand the purpose and benefits of voluntary self-identification.

 

5.2 Self-identification resources, such as brochures, posters, and online forms, will be reviewed and updated annually by the Indigenous Education Advisory Council and the Indigenous Education Team.

5.3 Resources will explicitly outline the voluntary nature of self-identification, the confidentiality and security of the data, and how self-identification supports student learning and well-being.

5.4 Informational materials will be distributed during key points in the school year, including but not limited to student registration, annual student information updates,
parent/guardian/caregiver-teacher conferences, social media, and/or school events.

5.5 All self-identification resources will be accessible online via the Board’s website and available in print through school offices.

6.1 The Indigenous Education Advisory Committee provides important guidance in the implementation and evaluation of the self-identification process.

6.2 By annually reviewing anonymized and aggregate data, the IEAC will advise on the use of self-identification data to improve Indigenous student success and well-being and provide recommendations for program enhancements that improve student outcomes.

7.1 This administrative procedure will be reviewed every 2 years to ensure alignment with current legislation, policy frameworks and reconciliation efforts.

7.2 Input from the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee and First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities/families will be sought annually and integrated into the implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the self-identification process.