Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux

Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux is a Professor in the Department of Indigenous Learning at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She currently serves as the first Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University (appointed 2016), overseeing the President’s Council for Truth and Reconciliation and its engagement modules. Previously, she held roles as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University (until 2016) and as the inaugural Nexen Chair for Indigenous Leadership at the Banff Centre.

• Affiliations: Lakehead University (President’s Office), Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Faculty)
• Board Memberships: Teach for Canada, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (Chair of Governing Circle)

Her work focuses on reconciliation, Indigenous education, and youth engagement. She co-founded the Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE), a youth-driven initiative fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and advocates for bridging understanding between diverse communities. A member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation, her career emphasizes applied research and public education.

Awards:

• Honorary Witness, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2014)
• Nexen Chair for Indigenous Leadership

Grants & Initiatives: Leads TRC-related modules at Lakehead, chairs the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and collaborates on projects like the Canadian Roots Exchange. Her work integrates practical dialogue and community-driven solutions.

Labs/Teams: Involved in inter-institutional collaborations (e.g., University of Toronto, University of Saskatchewan) through the Canadian Roots Exchange and TRC initiatives.