Bridge Program

What is the Bridge Program?

The Bridge Program is a cultural and land-based educational program for self-identified Indigenous students in Grades 3–6 who may be feeling disengaged from their classroom learning.

This program nurtures the whole learner—socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically—through a holistic approach that integrates the Ontario curriculum while centering Indigenous pedagogies and worldviews. By combining classroom learning with cultural teachings and hands-on experiences on the land, the Bridge Program helps students reconnect to their sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.

Core Features of the Bridge Program

• Integration of Ontario curriculum with Indigenous pedagogies and land-based instruction.
• Hands-on and experiential learning with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members.
• Opportunities to learn Indigenous languages, cultural teachings, and traditional knowledge.
• Trauma-informed, relationship-based, and holistic education.
• Focus on preparing students for successful re-integration into their home school with renewed confidence and skills.
• Support for student well-being, belonging, and self-confidence through smaller group settings.

Who is a Candidate for the Bridge Program?

The Bridge Program is designed to support self-identified Indigenous students in Grades 3–6 who would benefit from a culturally grounded and land-based learning environment. Ideal candidates for the program include:

• Self-identified Indigenous students, including First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit students;
• Students who are interested in cultural learning opportunities and would benefit from meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledges, languages, and teachings;
• Students who may need support bridging social, emotional, mental, physical, and academic needs;
• Students who would thrive in a smaller, supportive, and experiential learning environment that centers relationships and culture.

What Supports are Offered in the Program?

Bridge students have access to a variety of supports and opportunities, including:

• Guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural facilitators;
• Cultural programming such as storytelling, art, ceremony, and land-based teachings;
• Trauma-informed and relationship-focused approaches to learning;
• Individualized support to address social, emotional, mental, physical, and academic needs;
• Opportunities to build self-confidence, belonging, and identity through cultural connections;
• Re-integration planning to ensure a smooth transition back into the student’s home school.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about the application process for the Bridge Program, please contact:

Liv Rondeau, Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education