Leadership for Truth and Reconciliation
This seven-part discussion series will start necessary conversations in focused areas to support leaders to better serve Indigenous students, staff and families. Each session will engage Indigenous guests in conversation to learn and gain insights into leadership for Truth and Reconciliation. Participants will explore practical and authentic actions to lead this work in their own spaces.
Hosted by:
Colinda Clyne (she/her), Coordinating Principal for Indigenous Education
Colinda Clyne is Anishinaabe kwe (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg), a mother and Co-ordinating Principal of Indigenous Education at Upper Grand District School Board. An educator for over 30 years, Colinda is passionate about being the change in public education, with a focus on actioning systemic change to improve outcomes for Indigenous students. Presently she sits on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Principals Council as one of the Indigenous Directors. She also works as a writer and Indigenous consultant for a number of Canadian educational publishers and an equity anti-oppressive consultancy. She is especially proud of the collaborative podcast she hosted for several years, Anti-Racist Educator Reads.
Dr. Susie Lee-Fernandes (she/her), Director of Professional Learning
Susie has served in education for over 25 years in the roles of teacher, principal and superintendent with responsibilities for equity, special education and leadership development. She is a dedicated educator and life-long learner, committed to culturally responsive leadership and authentic collaboration with community partners. In her current role as Director of Professional Learning for the Ontario Principal’s Council, Susie is honoured to support principals and vice-principals in exemplary school leadership at the local, national and international levels.
|
Conversation 1 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation about the work of Truth and Reconciliation in schools. Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET Guest:
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 who was named by Maclean’s magazine in 2022 as one of the most influential people in Canada. Niigaan is a multiple winner of Canadian columnist of the year (2018, 2025) and his commentary appears weekly on multiple platforms across Canada – from the pages of The Winnipeg Free Press to TV shows on CBC, APTN and on his co-hosted podcast Niigaan and the Lone Ranger. His first book Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024) was a national bestseller that won the 2024 Governor General Award for Non-fiction. 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. |
|
Conversation 2 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation about consultation with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples and the importance of relationship-building. Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET Guests: Jody Kohoko, Renfrew County District School Board Christina Ruddy |
|
Conversation 3 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation about understanding the history of the land you are situated on and this informs respectful and authentic actions towards Truth and Reconciliation. Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2027 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET Guest: Pamala Agawa, Human Rights and Equity Advisor, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board
|
|
Conversation 4 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation and reflection on how leaders can support 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous students and staff through inclusive spaces and increased sense of belonging. Date: Wednesday February 17, 2027 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET Guest:
O-zha-wa A-nung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman (Teddy Syrette). Is from Rankin Reserve of Bat-che-wana First Nation of the Anishnabek, and currently lives in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. They are a public speaker, event organiser, community developer, artist and drag queen. In 2021, they were honoured with the title of 2Spirit International Warrior. In 2023, Teddy was awarded the Indigenous Professional of the Year Award by the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce. Since 2022, they have curated, organised and hosted several drag shows under the stage name Bette U. Wanna of Batchewana. Teddy is the founder and sole proprietor of 2SpiritAnishnabe Storytelling & Advocacy and a founding member of the 2Spirit Organising Committee of Bawating. |
| Conversation 5 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation on creating inclusive spaces for Indigenous students and families. We will spend some time reflecting on the impact principals and vice-principals have on school climate and sense of belonging. Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2027 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guests: Andrea Evans, Simcoe County District School Board
Christina Breen, Thames Valley District School Board  Christina Breen is of Anishinaabe, Irish, and Scottish ancestry and a proud member of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. As a Principal with over 20 years of experience in education, she is committed to advancing Indigenous education through the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices, perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing. She strives to create learning environments where Indigenous students, families, and communities are valued, and where culture, identity, belonging, and reconciliation are embedded in everyday practice. |
|
Conversation 6 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation on proactive approaches that center and affirm Indigenous identities and strengthening our capacity to interrupt anti-Indigenous racism. Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2027 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET Guests: Zozep Roy, District School Board of Niagara Lisa Russell, Bluewater District School Board
Lisa is grateful for opportunities to share, listen, learn, and continue growing with others on the journey toward meaningful reconciliation.
|
|
Conversation 7 of 7 |
|
Details: Join us for a final reflection about what we have learned and the insights gained. We will discuss our responsibility to continue the conversations and mobilize for continued work towards Truth and Reconciliation. Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2027 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. ET |
Niigaan Sinclair 
Pamala Agawa, an Anishinaabe-kwe from Batchewana First Nation, is a mother, dedicated educator, coach, and advocate for Indigenous youth. As the Human Rights and Equity Advisor at Keewatin-Patricia DSB, she focuses on decolonizing systemic practices in education to create inclusive learning spaces. She believes in intentional coaching and leadership to drive meaningful change, supporting students and families. She is passionate about working alongside youth by elevating student voice and is committed to being a strong advocate and accomplice in their journey.
Teddy Syrette 
Lisa Russell is a Red River Métis educator and Principal with the Bluewater District School Board. She has been an educator for 18 years and is committed to making school a place where students feel a sense of care, safety and belonging. Lisa is a member of the OPC Indigenous Leadership Circle and is the co-Chair of the Indigenous Affinity Group. Lisa strives to create space for Indigenous voices and ways of knowing in our schools and is committed to inspiring others to question what we do and have "always done", recognize and remove barriers, and find ways to move from good intentions to meaningful action.REGISTER FOR ALL SESSIONS
Past Sessions
2025-26
|
Conversation 1 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation about actioning the vision of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and how this plan drives school leaders to make a positive change within schools. Date: November 18, 2025 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guest
|
|
Conversation 2 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation centering our legal duties and responsibilities as school leaders to address and respond to anti-Black racism in education. Chapter 3: Education and Human Rights Chapter 4: Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Education Date: January 27, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guest
|
|
Conversation 3 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation on building leader efficacy and action to reimagine more inclusive spaces for Black students. Chapter 5: Findings and Discussion Date: February 10, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guest
|
|
Conversation 4 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation reflecting on the influence leaders have on school climate, sense of belonging and what school leaders must do to make a positive and proactive impact for Black students. Chapter 6: Actions for Implementation Date: March 5, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guest
|
| Conversation 5 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a focused conversation exploring proactive approaches that center and affirm Black identity while confronting anti-Black racism at all levels — from classrooms to entire school districts. Chapter 6: Actions for Implementation Date: April 23, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST Guest
|
|
Conversation 6 of 6 |
|
Details: Join us for a final reflection about what we have learned, the insights we have gained and mobilization for the continued work ahead of us as school leaders. Chapter 6: Actions for Implementation Date: May 12, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. EDT/EST |
Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission 
Michele Hamilton, General Counsel, OPC
Dr. Carl James, Academic, York's Faculty of Education Jean Augustine Chair
Sherwyn Solomon, Principal, Human Rights, Equity, and Accessibility, UGDSB
Shelita Walker, System Principal - Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education, HDSBCalendar invites will be sent following registration.
Contact(s)
Subscribe to this Page
