Catholic Teachers Honour and Commemorate National Indigenous History Month
“Each June, National Indigenous History Month invites us to reflect on the enduring presence, strength, and cultural richness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. This month is more than a commemoration — it is a call to action. It challenges each of us to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories, celebrate their diverse traditions, and confront the hard truths of our country’s past and present.
As Catholic teachers, we have a profound moral and professional responsibility to ensure that Indigenous voices and experiences are authentically represented in our classrooms. This responsibility extends far beyond a single month — it is a year-round commitment to truth, to equity, and to healing. That means recognizing the legacy of colonialism, including the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system, and working actively to dismantle the systemic barriers that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.
True reconciliation cannot be symbolic or performative. It requires sustained investment, courageous conversations, and concrete changes within our schools, in our curriculum, and across society. All levels of the Canadian government must take immediate and transparent steps to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and to accelerate progress on the National Action Plan addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people . In Ontario, this also means restoring and strengthening education funding and resources that support teachers in teaching and honouring Indigenous history.
This month, let us renew our collective commitment to creating inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive learning environments. Let us honour Indigenous resilience not just in words, but through our actions — in the classroom, in our communities, and in the policies we advocate for.
Reconciliation is a lifelong journey that we must walk together, grounded in truth, guided by respect, and driven by justice.”
— René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association