Indigenous Schools

A School that Places Culture in the Centre of the Circle

The focus of Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School is to offer a tradition-based curriculum that meets the requirements set by the Parent Council, the Toronto District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education. First Nations Public School is unique in that Indigenous values, spirituality, culture and language are integrated throughout the school curriculum. The goal of this integration is to ensure that urban Indigenous children have the opportunity to learn about their heritage and the traditional Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) cultural perspective while acquiring the skills necessary to survive in the world today. While a large base of the student population of First Nations School is of Anishinaabe ancestry the school welcomes children of all backgrounds.

The 200+ students of Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School enjoy a culturally enriched program that incorporates programs like Native Second Language, traditional singing and drumming, powwow dancing and community feasts.

For more information on Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School and the programs and courses offered, contact Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School of Toronto.

Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School and the Urban Indigenous Education Centre are not the only spaces doing work to advance the Indigenous ways of being and knowing. The following schools deserve special acknowledgement for their work in supporting Indigenous Education:

Eastview Jr. Public School is a Junior public school providing instruction from Junior Kindergarten to 8 and is located in the vicinity of Kingston Road and Lawrence Avenue in Scarborough. Eastview has a large community of indigenous children and has been a leader in developing First Nations, Métis and Inuit education programs in an urban setting. Eastview Jr. Public School offers First Nations, Métis and Inuit studies across the curriculum through specific programs and support initiatives such as the Native Second Language Program from Grade 4 to Grade 8 (Ojibwe) and a Cultures and Traditions Program for all students. For more information about the school and the programs offered contact Eastview Jr. Public School.

Riverdale Collegiate Institute is the only Secondary school in the Toronto District School Board that offers the Native Second Language Program at all four language levels. Riverdale works with a high proportion of Indigenous students and has many special supports for Indigenous youth. For more information about the school and the programs offered click on Riverdale Collegiate Institute

The Native Learning Centre is a partnership that was developed in 1998 between Native Child and Family Services and the Toronto District School Board. The program provides opportunities for re-entry for students of Indigenous ancestry who are in grades 9-12+. The program is a highly individualized one, designed to support students working toward high school graduation or apprenticeship programs. Class sizes are small and opportunities to receive feedback and support are constant. For more detailed information, visit the Native Learning Centre.

The Native Learning Centre East is housed at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute and offers a wide range of supports to Indigenous youth. Structured similarly to the downtown Native Learning Centre this program provides opportunities for re-entry for students of Indigenous ancestry who are in grades 9-12+. The program is a highly individualized one, designed to support students working toward high school graduation or apprenticeship programs. Class sizes are small and opportunities to receive feedback and support are constant. For more detailed information, contact the Native Learning Centre East.