Resources for Voluntary and Confidential Self-Identification for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Voluntary and Confidential Self-Identification for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students?
As of September 2013, First Nation, Métis, or Inuit students with any Aboriginal ancestry may voluntarily and confidentially choose to identify themselves as having Aboriginal ancestry.
How and when can a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit student choose to self-identify?
First Nation, Métis, or Inuit students can choose to self-identify through the school registration process by checking off the appropriate boxes on the Student Registration Form and/or Student Verification Form. Students will have regular opportunities after registration to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify.
Who can self-identify?
Any First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student may self-identify. For students under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must self-identify on behalf of the student. For students 18 years of age or older, the student can choose to self-identify.
Do students need to show proof of ancestry?
No, for the purpose of voluntary self-identification, proof of ancestry is not required.
How will the information collected be used?
The Peel board will use the data to help it make informed decisions about student achievement. The board will also share the data with the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) through the Ontario Student Information System (OnSIS). The Ministry and/or EQAO may share this data publicly but only in aggregated form. Individual student data will not be released publicly.
The information collected through the self-identification process is protected and governed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Provincial Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FIPPA) governing school boards and the Ministry of Education.