Media Release: Grand Erie Approves Appointment of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Trustee

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Media Release

For immediate Release

Grand Erie Approves Appointment of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Trustee

MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 2023

Brantford, Ont. – During Grand Erie's Regular Board meeting on Monday, September 25, Tammy Sault assumed the role of trustee, representing the interests, under the Education Services Agreement, of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) students who attend Grand Erie schools.

Above: New Grand Erie Trustee, Tammy Sault.

“I am honoured to have been appointed to this very important role with the Grand Erie District School Board,” said Tammy Sault. “Representing our students from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation is a privilege that I look forward to upholding. Ensuring that all nation members are supported throughout their educational journey is a priority not only for me, but also for our community as a whole.”

Sault is the first trustee appointed to represent MCFN learners in Grand Erie. The region the board serves encompasses the First Nation communities of Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations of the Grand River. Sault will join Claudine VanEvery-Albert, trustee representing the interests of learners from Six Nations of the Grand River. It marks the first time more than one trustee representing Indigenous learners has been appointed to the board.

"One behalf of the board, we know Ms. Sault will bring dedication, advocacy and commitment to public education in this role, and will play a crucial part in shaping learners' achievement, well-being and sense of belonging in our schools," said Susan Gibson, Chair of Grand Erie District School Board. "This is a unique role with responsibilities to the community and to the school board."

The appointment follows a motion put forward at the regular board meeting in March of this year, approving the representation for the remainder of the current 2022-26 term of the board.

“We are very pleased that Grand Erie District School Board has decided to recognize the value in adding a seat for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation,” said Stacey LaForme, elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). “It is a testament to the board to recognize that MCFN is a unique First Nation, and adding our voice is a step towards reconciliation.”

Sault brings a wealth of leadership experience to the new role, holding various roles within the First Nation including Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation classroom teacher, Special Education Resource teacher, and as an Indigenous voice at the table for Grand Erie’s Special Education Advisory Committee.

“The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River trustees represent their communities, advocating actively for learners, and ensuring the board’s work aligns with their best interests," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "We are honoured to have Ms. Sault join us on our learning journey.”

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 27,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk as well as students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,900, Grand Erie is committed to learning, leading, and inspiring.