Sovereignty, Human Rights and Equity
Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is committed to building a culture of human rights, equity and belonging. In alignment with the WRDSB Strategic Plan, the Education Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action for Education and the Ontario Human Rights Commission, WRDSB is creating learning and work environments where every student and staff member has equitable opportunities in an environment free from discrimination. Every day, WRDSB staff are focused on ensuring that identity and social location no longer predict students’ outcomes.
WRDSB staff, along with 120 educators, local Indigenous community members, and partners participated in the Indigenous Voices Spring Learning Symposium. The day was filled with learning, listening, dialogue, and reflection and centered on the cultural knowledge and personal narratives of local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit voices. This professional development session is one of the many ways the WRDSB is building relationships rooted in reciprocity, respect, and responsibility.
As an organization we understand the importance of providing identity affirming spaces where Indigenous youth can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and supported. Indigenous students in Grades 7 and 8 gathered to explore cultural teachings related to hand drums, learn hand drum songs, and create their own drum to take home. These types of spaces offer a community where students can gain a sense of confidence and pride in their identity, which will help them as they navigate their educational journey.
Students across the WRDSB are also engaging in interactive learning opportunities through stories, teachings, and conversations to further their awareness and intercultural understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and lived experiences.
Huron Heights Secondary School students in the Alternative Continuum of Education (ACE) program inspired the broader school community to learn about reciprocity through the co-creation of a mosaic representing cultural understanding and support. In partnership with Indigenous artist Kelsey Powless, classes joined together to create a lasting impression on their school community and develop artwork for the school.
Students in Grades 7 and 8 from across the WRDSB joined together for the O.U.R. Human Rights Symposium, which was centered on the principles of observe, uphold, and respect. These principles served as the foundational elements guiding discussions and actions. The students gathered to discuss ways to address discrimination, harassment and inspire actions that can contribute to more positive and inclusive school communities.
The Human Rights Branch released its Annual Report, which outlines how the WRDSB and specifically the Human Rights Branch, is building a culture of human rights. The report shares how the Human Rights Branch is:
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Supporting the WRDSB to identify and address systemically-based human rights and equity issues
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Building the WRDSB’s capacity to ensure compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code
As an extension of their learning, students at Grade 7 students at Groh Public School embarked on an ambitious year-long journey to create a stunning piece of public art now proudly displayed in the school’s front foyer. The art piece reflects themes of immigration, belonging, and unity gathered from interviews with immigrant families in their community.
WRDSB students and staff hosted several events during the 2024-25 school year to celebrate the diversity of their school communities. Elmira District Secondary School hosted the third annual Asian Heritage Month Celebration Event, which centred on the theme of “One Asia, Many Cultures.” Students from 16 WRDSB secondary schools attend the event for a day of celebration, culture, and connection. Every day, we strive to recognize and celebrate Black Brilliance in our schools and classrooms. WRDSB students participated in various events and activities held throughout the district, creating an environment where African, Caribbean and Black-identifying students and staff see their brilliance highlighted, represented and celebrated. As well, the Muslim Student Association at Glenview Park Secondary School hosted their first Islamic Heritage Event, welcoming around 200 guests from 11 WRDSB schools for a day filled with education, entertainment, and cultural appreciation. The event’s goal was to bring people together while celebrating Islamic history, culture, and contributions.
We know that supporting WRDSB staff in being their best selves, directly supports the achievement and well-being of the students we serve every day. WRDSB released the results of the 2024 Workforce Census, which helps the WRDSB better understand our employee demographics (including cultural and social identities) and perceptions about the workplace. Working alongside system leaders and union partners, we have a shared commitment to creating a culture of human rights and equity, supporting employee accommodations and increasing accessibility, providing professional development opportunities and promoting inclusive workplaces. Responses to the census will help WRDSB to support professional development, staff services and recruitment.
The WRDSB continues progress on its Accessibility Plan, which outlines our plans to meet obligations as outlined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and promotes and ensures respect for every person’s human rights, dignity and independence.
WRDSB Facility Services staff are improving accessibility and maintaining the spaces where students learn each day. This ensures equitable access to our buildings, programs and services for all of the students, families, staff and community members who learn and work in the WRDSB.
Building inclusive and accessible learning spaces is more than just the school facilities. WRDSB provides equitable and accessible learning opportunities for students through programming that promotes positive academic growth and well-being. The annual Tinman Triathlon at Elmira District Secondary School brought together over 200 students and volunteers from schools across the Waterloo Region in a celebration of perseverance, community, and inclusive athleticism. Students from Huron Heights Secondary School and Galt Collegiate Institute proudly represented their schools and the WRDSB at the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Championships in Ottawa. Students shared that the experience provides an opportunity to make new friends, encouraging participation, teamwork, and community.
Read more about how we’re supporting Sovereignty, Human Rights and Equity:
