The Graham Lecture | Faculty of Public Affairs

Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Indigenous Policy

Established in 2009, the Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Indigenous Policy provides a vehicle for examining a wide range of policy issues, cases, models and tools related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. Under this initiative, the University annually invites a noted leader in the Indigenous community, the non-profit sector, government or business to present a public lecture on Indigenous policy.

Katherine Graham served as Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs from 2003-2009. This lectureship honours her deep commitment to the sustainability of Indigenous communities through public policy and citizen engagement.

The event takes place annually in June.

Informing Global Policies that Impact Arctic Communities: Why Inuit matter Globally

The 2023 Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Indigenous Policy, held on Tuesday, June 13, featured Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada.

June 15, 2023

Arctic Peoples Harmed by Both Climate Change and War

By Karen Kelly “Please listen carefully to our message.” Such was the entreaty of Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, the president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), which advocates for the Inuit... More

June 26, 2019

Colonialism and Climate Change: Deborah McGregor Calls for More Indigenous Input

Since she constantly analyzes provincial and federal policies on climate change and the environment, Deborah McGregor says she has found a recurring theme. “They don’t account for the history of... More

June 11, 2018

Inuit Leader Natan Obed Delivers Katherine Graham Lecture

Inuit Leader Natan Obed offered a thought-provoking talk on Inuit democracy and governance recently as the keynote speaker at the annual Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Aboriginal Policy. Natan Obed... More

June 9, 2017

The Future of Truth & Reconciliation

Ry Moran began the Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture by cautioning the audience that what they were about to hear going to be difficult. At the same time, he assured them,... More

June 10, 2016

Paul Chartrand Reflects on Continuing Struggle for Indigenous Rights

As a member of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Paul Chartrand travelled all over Canada, listening to the stories of hundreds of people at more than 90 hearings. The... More

June 15, 2015

Speaker Val Napoleon Argues for Legitimacy of Indigenous Law

“As long as it’s not recognized as real law by Indigenous and non-indigenous people or not treated as an intelligent resource for problem-solving, we will be perpetuating the myth that... More

June 8, 2015

Professor Val Napoleon Calls for Time of Action

Val Napoleon will deliver the Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Aboriginal Policy on June 11. In its recent landmark report on residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada... More

Previous Speakers

2023

Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk: Informing Global Policies that Impact Arctic Communities: Why Inuit matter Globally

2023

2019

Deborah McGregor: Indigenous Environmental Justice, Knowledge and Law

2019

2018

Natan Obed: Reimagining Canada’s Relationship with the Inuit People

2018

2017

Ry Moran: Rights and Responsibilities in a Time of Reconciliation

2017

2016

Paul Chartrand: Aboriginal-Canada Relations: From RCAP to 2016

2016

2015

Val Napoleon: Indigenous Legal Perspectives as Policy and Research Foundation

2015

2013

James K. Bartleman: Aboriginal Canadians: The Struggle to be Seen as Human

2013

2012

Satsan (Herb George): A New Era in Aboriginal/Crown Relations – A New Frontier for Educational Institutions

2012

2011

Shawn A-in-chut Atleo: Smashing the Status Quo

2011

2010

Mary May Simon: The Biggest Social Policy Change of Our Time

2010