Appointment of Indigenous Trustee Chad Cowie

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Cowie as First Nation Representative Trustee to the Board of Trustees for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of the Board.?

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 462/97 and Section 188 of the Education Act, Chad Cowie was selected for appointment by the Council of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The Board of Trustees passed a motion approving the appointment on July 21, 2025, and Chad Cowie will be sworn in at a Special Board meeting expected to take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Once sworn in, Trustee Cowie will have the same rights, roles, and responsibilities as all other members of the Board of Trustees.

The appointment of an Indigenous Trustee aligns with DDSB’s commitments to upholding the principles of and responsibilities under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and the Board’s Indigenous Education Policy.?

?This appointment will support the continued growth of a meaningful partnership and will foster opportunities for ongoing, respectful collaboration to ensure DDSB students, families, staff, and community members who identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit benefit from having a Board member who understands their perspectives, lived experiences, strengths, and needs.?

Quotes:

"I am thankful and looking forward to assisting in the continued work that the DDSB has embarked upon over the last few years not only in relationship to UNDRIP and TRC recommendations, but also in relationship to treaty partners - including the Michi Saagiig Nishinbaabeg peoples and communities such as the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. As an Assistant Professor of Political Science, with focus on Indigenous politics, who is also a Michi Saagiig individual living in the district, I am eager to support and assist with not only a way to further understanding with Indigenous peoples but also one that assists with the path forward of reconciliation and strengthening the DDSB and surrounding community."

- Chad Cowie, Indigenous Trustee, DDSB Board of Trustees

“On behalf of the DDSB’s Board of Trustees, I want to express our gratitude to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Mr. Cowie for their ongoing partnership. This appointment upholds the DDSB’s commitment and responsibility to Indigenous education, respects the distinct rights of Indigenous Peoples, and fosters inclusion through representation. We look forward to working alongside Mr. Cowie beginning in September.” 

- Tracy Brown, Chair, DDSB Board of Trustees?

About Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 12,000 staff in a wide variety of roles and is one of the largest employers in Durham Region. With 138 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 80,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @ddsbschools and on YouTube at DurhamDSB. 

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