Voluntary Self-Identification

I Am Indigenous: Families Invited to Complete Voluntary Self-Identification Survey

In an effort to build bridges to success for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, all families of students in Rainbow Schools will be invited to complete a Voluntary Self-Identification Survey. The survey is a key component of the ‘I Am Indigenous’ campaign.

Rainbow District School Board is dedicated to providing quality programs and ensuring success for all learners, including Indigenous students. Through a Voluntary Self-Identification Survey, we are asking students in Rainbow Schools to tell us more about their ancestry so we can improve educational outcomes for all students. A first priority will be to enhance programs for Indigenous learners in keeping with Ontario’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework.

The survey consists of a simple form that can be completed in a few minutes. The information being collected is confidential and will be used in aggregate form only.

The Voluntary Self-Identification Survey will enable us to implement programs to close the achievement gap between Indigenous (status and non-status) and non-Aboriginal students in the areas of literacy and numeracy, retention of students in school, graduation rates, and advancement into post secondary studies.

In addition to improving educational outcomes for all students, the information on the survey will be used to promote equal opportunity, reflect Indigenous culture, values and traditions in Rainbow Schools, and establish and maintain relationships with parents/guardians and the Indigenous community.