The OCUL Truth and Reconciliation Committee is pleased to present the 2025-2026 speaker series, Learning Together: Reflections on the Academy and Reconciliation.
This speaker series aims to advance OCUL member libraries' understanding and awareness of truth and reconciliation efforts and initiatives in the academic community. As we consider the tenth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, this is an opportunity to reflect on and learn from the truth of current and past injustices. What have we learned? How do we keep moving forward in meaningful and substantial ways?
Our deep gratitude extends to the speakers for generously sharing their time and knowledge with the OCUL community.
Please note: Speaker series events will not be recorded; during live events, automated captions will be available.
Upcoming Events
I. Post-TRC Truths: Indigenous Voices in the Academy
Presented by Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek
- Date and time: Tuesday, November 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. EST
- Format: Online via Zoom
A decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, universities continue to grapple with how to meaningfully support Indigenous students, staff, and faculty. Drawing from new chapters in Colonized Classrooms, this talk given by Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek shares the lived realities of Indigenous voices in the academy — stories of persistence, resistance, and transformation. It highlights both the progress made and the systemic barriers that remain, offering insights into how we can play a critical role in advancing change.
About Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek
Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek is Anishinaabe from the Teme-Augama Anishnabai. A leader in Indigenous post-secondary education, she is currently Director and Professor of Indigenous Educational Studies at Brock University. Previously, she was the inaugural Vice President, Equity, People and Culture at York University where she led the development of York’s first institution-wide Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and their Black Inclusion Strategy. She was also the first Associate Vice-President, Indigenous and Academic Programs at Laurentian University. Dr. Cote-Meek is author of Colonized Classrooms – Racism, Trauma and Resistance in Post-Secondary Education (2014) and three co-edited books on decolonizing and indigenizing education in Canada.
II. Seizing the Opportunity of School as a Place of Healing
Presented by Dr. Kevin Lamoureux
- Date and time: Friday, December 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EST
- Format: Online via Zoom
Register for Seizing the Opportunity of School as a Place of Healing
In this one-hour talk, Dr. Kevin Lamoureux will draw on Indigenous understandings of well-being – Mino-Pimatisiwin – and institutional responsibility to explore how post-secondary institutions can move beyond 'business as usual' and become genuine caretakers of knowledge in service of reconciliation.
About Dr. Kevin Lamoureux
Dr. Lamoureux is a faculty member at the University of Winnipeg and a well-known public speaker. As an award-winning scholar, Lamoureux has published several books including the popular and award winning Ensouling Our Schools (with Dr. Jennifer Katz), has written many academic articles, and has taught for several universities, colleges and institutions across Canada. He formerly served as Associate Vice President of the University of Winnipeg and Education Lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Lamoureux has been seen on TV, in the media, documentaries, and is a three-time TEDx speaker. He has consulted for business, government, schools and other organizations across Canada. More than anything, Lamoureux is committed to Reconciliation and a better Canada for all Canadians.
For More Information
Learn about the OCUL Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
For additional information or questions about Learning Together: Reflections on the Academy and Reconciliation, please email ocul@ocul.on.ca.