Local Indigenous community and Black Gold School Division together form Indigenous Advisory Circle

Local Indigenous community members together with Black Gold School Division have formed an Indigenous Advisory Circle. The circle met for the first time on September 10. The intent is to continue to strengthen relationships and deepen understanding about Indigenous peoples and culture. 

Michael Swampy, Indigenous Lead Instructional Curriculum Coach, says, “I am grateful to be a part of this new endeavor for the division. I look forward to having these meaningful conservations and ensuring we are doing this work in an authentic and respectful way.”

The circle that met included Swampy, Dale Simon of Samson Cree Nation, Felice Gladue of the Métis community of St. Laurent, Manitoba, as well as Trustee Devonna Klaassen, Superintendent Michael Borgfjord, Associate Superintendent Raymond Cable, Norm Dargis - Associate Superintendent, and Erin Tisdale - Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

The group is a place for celebrations, guidance, listening and learning. 

“Black Gold is looking forward to a partnership that will deepen understanding of Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing, and positively impact learning for all staff and students,” says Michael Borgfjord, Superintendent, Black Gold School Division.

“This is about honouring Indigenous voices and amplifying that in our classrooms, schools and throughout the division,” says ErinTisdale, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Circles will be held four times each school year. '