Voluntary and Confidential Self-Identification for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students When you self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit, you help provide your child with the opportunity for enhanced academic programming and support to succeed in school and life. A parent/guardian must identify on their child's behalf if the student is under 18 years old. Indigenous students who are 18 years of age can self-identify using this form. When you self-identify, the information is maintained in the student’s Ontario Student Records (OSR) confidential file at their school. The information is available to your child’s teacher and principal so that enhanced programming, support, and opportunities can be provided for your child.

Please complete the fields below and submit the form to your child’s school. Note that proof of ancestry is NOT required for the purpose of voluntary and confidential self-identification. The information collected in this form is confidential and will be protected. Date:

Name of student:

School:

If this student is of indigenous ancestry, please indicate with a checkmark:

First Nations Métis Inuit

Name of parent/guardian completing this form: Signature of parent/guardian: Indigenous students who are 18 years of age can selfidentify using this form. If you are a student over 18 years old, please authorize with your signature: Thank you for taking this important step to ensuring your child's success in school. Visit ocsb.ca/indigenous.

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Revised: June 2016

Voluntary and Confidential Self-Identification for First Nations, Metis and Inuit Students

Why self-identify? We want to provide your child with an education that honours Indigenous ancestry with enhanced educational opportunities and support to succeed in school and life.

Who can self-identify? Parents of First Nations, ​Métis and Inuit students. Indigenous students who are 18 years of age.

Indigenous Education Learning with a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Lens

Self-Identification Procedure • For students under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must identify on behalf of the student. • For students 18 years of age and older, the student can choose to self-identify. • Proof of ancestry is not required for the purpose of voluntary and confidential self-identification. • Please refer to the self-identification form which can be found here: ocsb.ca/indigenous or contact your school.

What happens to the information? When you self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit, this information is maintained in the student’s Ontario Student Records (OSR) confidential file. The information is available to your child’s teacher and principal so that enhanced programming, support, and opportunities can be provided for your child. As part of Indigenous Education programming, the OCSB will: • engage with First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members to strengthen their voice and involvement in education; • ensure equity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students; • design and provide programs and services that foster student success; • provide a culturally relevant education; and, • increase the knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and customary traditions, cultures, and perspectives for all students and staff. For questions or more information, please contact our Indigenous Education representative at 613-224-4455, ext. 2342.

ocsb.ca/indigenous facebook.com/ocsbindigenous twitter.com/ocsbindigenous Ottawa Catholic School Board Catholic Education Centre