At the February 9, 2022 Board meeting, trustees voted to rename the former Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. to Nokiidaa P.S.
We are very proud to be renaming this school Nokiidaa. Nokiidaa is the Ojibwe word that means let’s work or let’s all work together. Learn more about the meaning of the word in this short video. The name speaks to what is at the heart of our work; building relationships and working together in partnership with our students, families, colleagues and community to support student learning, achievement and well-being. It reflects our commitment to work together toward Truth and Reconciliation, to continue learning and developing understandings and relationships with Indigenous communities. It acknowledges the importance of language and culture and the First Peoples on this land we share and now all call home.
This name was identified following the trustees’ decision to rename Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. and a community consultation process.
Last summer, trustees voted to rename Sir John A. Macdonald P.S, in recognition of the harmful and racist policies enacted by Canada’s first Prime Minister, including his support for the creation of the residential school system. This system was designed to destroy Indigenous language, culture and identity and has left a legacy of pain and trauma. It is not in line with our values as an organization, and our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and to create safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all of our students.
In renaming the school, Trustee Ron Lynn worked closely with Indigenous Trustee Lauri Hoeg to develop a consultation process that started with the Chief of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. The process also included the school community as well as Indigenous students, families, staff and community members, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback.
We are proud to be putting this name on our school, and look forward to celebrating the renaming with the community in the future.
Allan Tam, Chair
Louise Sirisko, Director