Community gathers to discuss reconciliation

More than 135 members of the Brock and local communities gathered in the Goodman School of Business Atrium on Thursday, Jan. 25 to learn more about what reconciliation looks like for Canadian universities. Hosted by the Faculty of Education’s Indigenous Educational Studies programs, the event featured a lecture by Indigenous scholar and activist Niigaan Sinclair (pictured above) from the University of Manitoba. The compelling talk discussed the need for systemic change in higher education institutions across the country for Indigenization to be successful and how future actions should be guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and incorporate Indigenous teaching practices. A group of faculty members and staff from Brock University alongside Indigenous Scholar Niigaan Sinclair stand arm to arm in Brock’s Atrium in the Goodman School of Business. They smile warmly at the camera. The event brought together faculty and staff from across the University including (from left): Sherri Vansickle, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies who teaches in the Indigenous Educational Studies programs; Joe Tice, an Instructor in the Indigenous Educational Studies programs who delivered the opening address in Anishinaabemowin; Jeannie Martin, Assistant Professor in Indigenous Educational Studies programs; Lesley Rigg, Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor; Niigaan Sinclair, Professor at the University of Manitoba; Mary-Louise Vanderlee, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Education; Andy Stevens, Instructor in Indigenous Educational Studies; Sarah McGean, Administrative Co-ordinator and Academic Advisor for Indigenous Educational Studies programs; and Sheila Cote-Meek, Professor and Director of Indigenous Educational Studies programs.