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+ NEWS “SCHOOL BOARD ELIMINATES INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE GUIDE POSITION § STEPHEN PAQUETTE = PROVIDED CULTURAL = SUPPORT, GUIDANCE 8 AND EDUCATION TO g STUDENTS, STAFF KATHY YANCHUS. kyanchus@metroland.com As the Halton District Stephen Paquette, served as its Indigenous Knowledge Guide for the past six years, is no longer with the board. Paquette, who is from the Wikwemikong First Nation, is well known in the region as chair of the Halton Indigenous Educa- tion Advisory Council, also serving on many local com- mittees. His long-standing association with the HDSB preceded his hiring in 2017 and included guided Indig- enous learning sessions with staff and students from kindergarten to Gr. 12. As part of the depart- ment's restructuring, the dent census data which highlights the need for im- proved student achieve- ent and closing gaps in disproportional mate gradua- tion rates," said the board in an emailed response to Paquette's termination. “The department will continue to grow and spond to addressing these specific needs to have the greatest impact for Indige- nous students. One of the ways to achieve this is to hire staff with teaching qualifications to support students in their achieve- ment." The board makes "inten- tional efforts to hire staff who iden tify as Indige- not Caxrently, almost 70 per cent of the team identifies as Indigenous, according to the HDSB. In his capacity at the Metroland file photo Stephen Paquette's position as Indigenous Knowledge Guide at the HDSB has been eliminated as part of department restructuring. board, Paquette supported the recent implementation of Milton District High School's new Gr. 11 English course, Understanding Contemporary First Na- tions, Métis and Inuit. He also provided cultur- al support to the youth at Kinark Child and Family Services' Syl Apps Youth entre in Oakville to help students in class perfor- he ealing. ‘Through they w ovinen 'S Ed- school because of their need for care and/or treat- ment. Paquette's other respon- ees included collabo- with lo- cal nist Nations, Métis and dents, and fa fates to hap bring expertise and local wisdom into classroo! The board will continue to promote knowledge and understanding of Indige- nous perspectives and real- ities through fostering en- gagement with Indigenous peoples and enhancing learning about Treaty rela- tionships, Indigenous rights, and Indigenous peo- ples' contributions to Cana- da, continued the board. The team currently con- sists of a student support co-ordinator and student success teacher, both In- ties achievement. Classroom 1d instructional leaders integrate content to teach truths, histories, and c rent realities. When contacted about his termination, effective June 23, Paquette said he was proud of what the team lead Tammy Hardwick had accomplished over "T like to think that per- hapsIplayedasmallrolein the team's success," he said. LAKESHORE PARAMEDICAL insidehalton.com HEARING Family Hearing Clinic since 1979 LIMITED TIME ONLY Offer ends August 31%, 2023 CALL FOR DETAILS The latest Hearing Aid Technology! 2317 Lakeshore Road W, Oakville ¢ 905-827-2902 SERVICES Summer Hearing Aid Sale! “Actual cost of hearing aid(s) only Tayiel@re-1.<-ks alo) a-) y= 1e-Tant-vel(ers| exe) ta) Book your Personalized Smile Consultation today 647-496-1424 2-2983 Westoak Trails Blvd. villageortho.ca akville At Village Orthodontics in Oakville, we specialize in beautiful smiles using clear aligners and traditional braces. New Patients Welcome Schedule your complimentary consultation today! RTHODONTICS “th ontionoie VILLAG E—