Indigenous Self-Identification

Limestone Learning Foundation
Image of Indigenous Self-Identification Form

The Limestone District School Board, like other school boards across Ontario, is inviting students to state voluntarily and confidentially self-identify if they have Indigenous ancestry. Elementary and secondary students with First Nations, Métis and Inuit ancestry can self-identify.

This self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry and is not based on whether a member of the family has a status card. The self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. No proof is required.

To self-identify, complete the Standing Proud Self-Identification form and return it to your school.


 

Who can self-identify?

If you are a student over 18 years of age and have any degree of Indigenous ancestry you may choose to self-identify. If you are under 18 years of age, your parents or guardians will need to identify for you. You can identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. No proof is required.

Is the information confidential?

Yes. It will be treated like all personal information collected by the Board. This information will only be shared outside of LDSB with the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality and Accountability Office. A copy is kept in the Ontario Student Record.

What are the benefits to individuals of self-identifying?

  • Provide students with First Nations, Métis and Inuit ancestry access to opportunities, resources and support they may need to reach their goals. 
  • Access to cultural programming.
  • Access for students to information about leadership experiences and post-secondary pathways.

Will I be treated differently if I self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit?

No. Schools ensure that all students are treated with respect. You may, however, be entitled to some additional supports as an identified First Nations, Métis or Inuit person.

Why is this information useful to the Limestone District School Board?

The information will allow the Board to:

  • Know more about the Indigenous population it serves.
  • Further support the success of Indigenous students.
  • Advocate for funding from the Ministry of Education which will provide the means to develop and implement student success programs and supports for Indigenous students.
  • Support programs that support the success of Indigenous students.

How was the Self-identification Policy created by the board?

The Board consulted with local Indigenous parents and organizations, Indigenous teachers in the board, board staff, Ministry officials, and other school boards to draw up the policy. The Ministry initiative is outlined in the document, Building Bridges to Success for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students: Developing Policies for Voluntary, Confidential Aboriginal Students Self-Identification.

Is the Self-Identification Policy related to other Ministry of Education initiatives?

Yes. In 2007 the Ministry of Education issued the Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework. In that document, the ministry has stated that First Nations, Métis and Inuit students will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education in order to pursue postsecondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. The self-identification policy allows school boards and the ministry to measure whether they are achieving that goal.

Can I withdraw my self-identification?

Yes, at any time. Upon written request to the principal of the appropriate school, you can remove your self-identification.

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.