'Exponential growth' in Indigenous education has occurred across the school boards, say education leaders

Indigenous education leaders for both the Catholic and public school boards in Windsor-Essex are proud to say that Indigenous education has been very progressive over the last few years and the desire for more knowledge is growing.  

Darlene Marshall, Indigenous education lead for the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board, said she has seen "exponential growth" in the curriculum regarding Indigenous education.

"Indigenous education has had a life, a growth spurt; a recognition and an understanding of how important Indigenous perspectives are," she said.

On Canada's first National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Marshall said this is a time to reflect. 

"This isn't a day of celebration. It's a day of understanding, a day of reckoning and a day of personal reflection to see where we are and how we have moved forward with this," Marshall said. 

In terms of the education system, strides have been made through unique initiatives and more educational resources. The school board has provided more resources and access to vetted web sites in order to help staff and teachers understand the material and become more comfortable teaching it. 

Each school has access to one or two volunteer Indigenous education contact teachers. These teachers provide more education to students and staff which Marshall said has been a positive experience for the students and the initiative has received positive feedback.