Indigenous Education

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St. Mary’s College offers a package of courses with a strong Indigenous focus.

The students who complete 10 of these courses will graduate with a Certificate of Completion of Indigenous Studies from the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.

After careful consideration, the package of courses include Anishinaabemonwin, History, Careers and Civics, Art and English courses with a strong emphasis on the stories, history and language of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island, known as North America.

These courses are open to all students as we believe it is important for all Canadians to have knowledge of Indigenous history and culture.

The Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all students who completed 10 credits in Indigenous studies.

Courses will run only if sufficient numbers warrant.

Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program

The St. Mary’s College  Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP) supports Indigenous students as they learn how to create successful futures. 

In 2007, the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) launched AYEP to introduce Indigenous high school students to business opportunities within the Canadian economy.  The curriculum teaches students how to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit, improve financial literacy and communication skills, and gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of post-secondary options.

But at the heart of the program is a simple hope: that students leave with improved self-confidence and belief in their own potential.  Not only do students learn the skills required to do well in high school and beyond, they also create a sense of community in the AYEP classroom.  They learn that their ideas matter—that they matter.

Extra-Curricular Events

All students of SMC are welcome to participate in events that focus on Indigenous Education, Indigenous People and the culture. 

In the past, we were able to offer an after-school drum making program and attend other functions that supported justice issues among First Nations communities in Canada.  All students of First Nations, Métis or Inuit descent are encouraged to self-identify upon registration.

Indigenous Graduation Coach

Our Indigenous Graduation Coach works closely with Indigenous students to ensure that their career and education goals are met as they journey through high school.

Indigenous Counsellors

Counsellors from the local First Nations, Batchewana and Garden River, as well as counsellors from the Indian Friendship Centre and the Métis Nation of Ontario are available to speak with our students.