For 10 years, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) has made both outdoor and Indigenous education top priorities. Each year, the community celebrates this commitment with its Best Foot Forward Conference.
The one-day conference, held at the H. R. Frink Outdoor Education Centre, brings together the board’s 32 elementary and five secondary schools to celebrate initiatives like studying the birch bark canoe and a traditional skills workshop designed to help students further understand Canada’s rich history with Indigenous culture.
“Similar to the Ministry of Education, Indigenous Education is one of our key priorities,” said Jessica Salmon, the Communications Officer for ALCDSB. “The goal is to provide an opportunity for all students to gain knowledge and understanding about Indigenous cultures and traditions.”
This year’s conference included an EcoSchools certification ceremony for schools committed to environmental sustainability and conservation, in addition to making traditional Indigenous food over an open fire, drumming, Metis Jigging, and other outdoor activities for students and teachers to take part in.
In Ontario’s Catholic schools, we are nurturing lifelong leaders dedicated to sustainability and community understanding.
Share this story today and show your commitment to Catholic education.
