Reflecting on Reconciliation with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

As part of the April 11th PA Day, CDSBEO staff gathered virtually for a powerful professional development session focused on reconciliation, Indigenous education, and Catholic values. The session began with a warm welcome from Indigenous Student Success Mentor Allen Smoke, who opened with the Ohénton Kariwatékwen, the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, inviting us to pause and give thanks for the land, the gifts of creation, and the many relationships that bring meaning to our lives. 

The Board was honoured to welcome guest speaker Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, an award-winning writer, editor, and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Sinclair’s presentation explored the importance of truth in the path toward reconciliation, highlighting moments from the 2022 papal visit, and emphasizing that real change in education begins with actions that are intentional, ongoing, and community focused. 

Dr. Sinclair introduced the framework of presence, practice, pedagogy, and permanence to help us reflect on how reconciliation can take root in our schools. He reminded us that Indigenous students, and all students, learn not just from curriculum, but from the environment, relationships, and messages they encounter each day. 

The session closed with a prayer led by Father John Whyte, who reflected on the need for healing, humility, and walking together in faith. His prayer called upon the Holy Spirit to guide our work as educators and to give us strength to lead with kindness and compassion. His words reminded us that reconciliation is not only a social call but a spiritual one. 

We are grateful to all who contributed to this meaningful PA Day experience. As Dr. Sinclair shared, the presence of God is reflected in every face – and it is in recognizing that truth that reconciliation truly begins.