The St. James-Assiniboia School Division is dedicated to supporting Indigenous student success, and increasing the knowledge and understanding of its divisional staff. As stated in the Division's Strategic Plan, our employees and their professional development are critical to the success of the Division, which in turn increases the potential of all students. The Division has recently signed onto the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord, and is committed to being responsive to the Calls to Action resulting from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Photo credit: University of Manitoba
With this in mind, the St. James-Assiniboia School Division is pleased to announce that it will be engaged in a Scholar in Residence model with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, Associate Professor from the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba, for the 2017-2018 school year. The goal of this residency is to cultivate and strengthen the knowledge and confidence of our staff when infusing Indigenous perspectives into their lessons and classrooms. Dr. Sinclair is considered by many across the country as an authority on a variety of Indigenous topics. As the process of reconciliation continues to grow across Canada, our students will become active citizens who understand and respect Indigenous perspectives and worldviews.
"We are excited and honoured to have Dr. Sinclair working with us in the upcoming school year as we continue to work towards ensuring that St. James-Assiniboia staff are confident and knowledgeable when infusing indigenous perspectives throughout their teaching regardless of subject area," declared Chief Superintendent Brett Lough.
"I'm thrilled to be the first Indigenous Scholar in Residence in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division," said Dr. Sinclair, "I'm proud to be associated with one of the most historically important regions in Manitoba and assist in the implementation of the TRC recommendations in education. I'm looking forward to working with a great administrative team, talented educators, and of course, inspiring youth in this important work."
