Inuk elected Ottawa school board’s 1st Indigenous student trustee

Grade 11 student Ezio De Stefano will represent her fellow Indigenous students as a trustee for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

De Stefano, who goes to John McCrae Secondary School, was chosen on Feb. 28 in an election for the newly created position of Indigenous student trustee. The vote was open to Indigenous students at Ottawa-Carleton District schools.

The school board announced the winner Wednesday.

De Stefano will serve in the role for the 2024-25 school year. 

The creation of the trustee role specifically for an Indigenous student is to amplify Indigenous voices in educational decision-making processes. 

“This marked a significant step towards fostering greater inclusivity and representation within the district,” said a statement from the school board.

Approximately 1,500 students, or two per cent of the student population of the Ottawa-Carleton board, have self-identified as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Three candidates vied for the position, said Darcy Knoll, a school-board spokesperson.

The statement from the school board said De Stefano, who is Inuk, is looking forward to working with the two other student trustees and other faculty members on the board. 

“With a rich cultural background and experience volunteering with Indigenous organizations, Ezio brings a valuable perspective to our community,” the statement said.

“Always ready to lend a listening ear, she contributes to a supportive environment where everyone’s perspective is valued. She will work to ensure that Indigenous students feel they have a voice in the matters that affect their day to day lives in school, and make sure that Indigenous students’ needs are being met.”

Outside of school, De Stefano is interested in information technology, learning more about her culture, and attending events in her community.