NEWS RELEASE
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ONTARIO NORTH EAST
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District School Board Ontario North East is proud to announce the appointment of Brianna Julien as its first Indigenous student trustee.

A committee was created at an Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee meeting in November to review candidates for the new role. The move creates another permanent student trustee position on the Board, increasing their number to three.

“Seven students from five different high schools expressed an interest,” commented Director of Education, Lesleigh Dye. “Once we got back to each student to explain what the responsibilities would be, we were down to two students. Those students were asked to list three reasons why they were interested in the position. From those responses, Brianna Julien was chosen. We are proud that she will be joining us.”

Julien will represent students from the different First Nations across the district, as well as students who are attending school here from James Bay coastal communities. Of the approximately 6,650 students at District School Board Ontario North East, about 950 self-identify as Indigenous.

“Our student trustees play a vital role at DSB ONE,” commented Board Chair Bob Brush. “Their voices and their perspectives on educational issues are valued by all. Having Miss Julien, a self-identified Indigenous student, serve as an Indigenous student trustee is most welcomed. Her voice will be an important part of our decision-making process.”

A Grade 12 student at Kirkland Lake District Composite School, Julien’s favourite subjects are English and Aboriginal Studies, while her hobbies are reading and spending time outdoors.

Julien agrees with the importance of having young Indigenous opinions heard. “I think it’s essential to have an Indigenous voice sitting at the table. When making decisions affecting our youth, Board members will have an Indigenous point of view.”

Julien says she hopes to work to make schools safer and more inclusive, spread knowledge about the Indigenous culture, and improve Indigenous resources in schools.

DSB ONE has had an Indigenous Trustee in Howard Archibald since amalgamation in 1998. Archibald was a trustee with a former board prior to that.

“I welcome Brianna as our first Indigenous student trustee. We are the second school board in Ontario to do so,” added Archibald. “Briana will be looked upon as a voice for our Indigenous students, as well as a role model for students, parents, and Indigenous leaders in our communities.”

Julien will fill the new role for the balance of the 2017-2018 school year.

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