Indigenous Education

Crescent has a number of initiatives in place to educate students about Indigenous culture and the need for Truth and Reconciliation by building positive relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities.

Indigenous themes are woven into art classes in all grades. We partner with local organizations such as the Indigenize Our Minds outreach program to supplement learning with lessons in Indigenous culture and history. Literature from Indigenous authors is studied in English class.

 

For several years, Crescent students have travelled to a First Nations community in northern Ontario as part of an outreach experience. Our students work with local school children, community elders, and Indigenous education specialists during this week-long immersive experience. They receive an invaluable first-hand look at indigenous culture and way of life and learn about this important part of Canada's heritage.

Crescent unveiled its Land Acknowledgement statement at a full-school assembly on January 15, 2019. Members from the Native Canadian Centre from Toronto (NCCT) attended the assembly and conducted a smudging ceremony. We read this statement whenever our community gathers for formal occasions. Read Crescent's Land Acknowledgement statement.

The Indigenous Awareness and Action (IAA) Team is a student-led club formed in Fall 2020. The goals of the IAA Team are to educate students on issues affecting Indigenous communities, forge pathways for students to become advocates for Indigenous affairs, and connect Crescent students with their Indigenous peers. These goals will be achieved by holding assemblies, creating posters and other communication material, and establishing a pen-pal project with Indigenous students.