Dear Riverside Families
Riverside students have the privilege of learning about Anishinaabe and Haudenausaunee culture and ways of knowing and being from various Elders, Knowledge Holders and Oshbeenis (helpers) throughout the 2026-2027 school year. We have built relationships with Elder Stock from Wahta Mohawk Territory, Keanna Stock from Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, Dave Rice from Wasauksing First Nation and Tabitha Lamoureux from Beausoleil Island First Nation.
Each time we meet with Indigenous teachers, students will begin with an Anishinaabe opening or Haudenausaunee Thanksgiving Address. Sometimes there will be a traditional smudge. TLDSB has information and protocols around smudging, located on their website. Please follow this link for more information.
When an Indigenous leader, Oshbeenis or Elder visits any school to share teachings, we follow their lead. It is in keeping with Indigenous ways of knowing and being that we remain open to the guest teachers deciding what is important to teach, based on student need at the moment. We can confirm that no ceremonies will take place, as these are sacred events that require preparation. The guests may choose to sing songs and drum, teach traditional dances, introduce some Anishinaabmowin or Kanienʼkéha (Anishinaabe and Mohawk language) or share other traditional teachings and stories. All Indigenous teachings will be taught within the context of “Anishinaabe or Haudenausaunee people believe…” There will never be any assumption or indication that students must take on the same beliefs, as these are connected to a specific culture of people, in this case, the Anishinaabe and Haudenausaunee.
We extend a warm welcome to all of our families to join the learning and presentations. As Dave Rice from Wasauksing has said, “it is important for all people to understand the importance of Indigenous ways of being.” The school calendar will outline when Indigenous guest speakers will be in our school. Please check the school website for presentation times and dates. In addition to presentations for students, Tabitha Lamoureux will host opportunities for Indigenous students to gather together and deepen their learning and make connections. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
Miigwetch, Nia:wen, Thank You
Riverside Staff & Meghan deLagran (Riverside Indigenous Lead)
