On Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16, Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) staff and educators had the opportunity to gather at the Pope Francis Centre for a day of learning led by Dr. Niigaan Sinclair.
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation. He is an award-winning writer, editor and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba. He is a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
During the May 15 session with DCDSB Academic Services and Human Resources staff, Niigaan centered his talk around the concept of Kanata—the Kanyen'kéha (Mohawk) word for “village”—and becoming part of the village is becoming more Canadian. He emphasized that to survive and thrive, we must care for those around us and embrace a collective responsibility. Rather than appropriating ceremonial or spiritual practices that belong to Indigenous people, he encouraged a focus on shared values rooted in this land: democracy, health care, social justice, and education. These are Indigenous created. He challenged everyone to shift from being capitalistic, individualistic and competitive to collaborating and practicing reciprocity. Niigaan also shared with staff that the Land is our greatest teacher.
On May 16, Niigaan spoke to Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices (NBE) teachers. Niigaan shared his personal story, current work, and resources, while encouraging active steps toward reconciliation, what he called ReconciliACTION. He clarified a common misunderstanding that educators are not being told to avoid teaching culture, but rather to avoid appropriating cultural or ceremonial practices that are sacred and specific to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Culture, in its broader sense, can and should be explored. Niigaan explained how Indigenous literature invites readers to experience rather than extract and calls for a pedagogy and assessment style that reflects this relational approach, which is embedded in the NBE curriculum.
Together, these sessions offered a compelling vision for education rooted in respect, relationship, and responsibility at DCDSB.
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