The Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College is honoured to welcome Duncan McCue, award-winning journalist, author, professor and member of the Georgina Island First Nation in Ontario, as a guest speaker at the Capitol Theatre in Nelson on Wednesday, October 29.
McCue will deliver a talk titled “Learning from the Land: A Journalist’s Reflection on Place-Based Storytelling,” reflecting on his own personal journey on the trapline when he was 17—an experience that inspired his book The Shoe Boy. He will also share insights from his work in establishing a new Indigenous journalism program at Carleton University and discuss the importance of reconnecting with nature.
“Duncan McCue's name is known to millions of CBC listeners from his hosting of Cross-Country Checkup, but many may not know that he is Anishnaabe,” says Jennie Barron, chair of the Mir Centre for Peace. “He has done some remarkable work helping mainstream media navigate sensitive issues, especially around trauma. His insights can help all of us build stronger, genuine relationships with Indigenous communities.”
McCue’s visit comes at a time when Selkirk College is reaffirming its commitment to decolonization and land-based learning. The new strategic plan, Land, Learning & Legacy: Our Path to 2040, recognizes Selkirk College as deeply connected to both the land and the people of the West Kootenay and Boundary regions. It creates a framework for a future grounded in environmental, social and economic resiliency.
“We at Selkirk College are especially excited about Duncan sharing his experience and insights with us because our new strategic directions emphasize learning with the land and focusing on what is unique about this place,” says Barron. “I expect that his words will deepen our appreciation of how land and place shape how we live, learn and relate to one another.”