Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO, YMCA Canada
Peter Dinsdale
Long-time Indigenous advocate, Peter Dinsdale joined Carleton’s Board of Governors in 2016 as a community-at-large member.
Currently the President and CEO of YMCA Canada, Peter brings a cross cultural understanding to the Board through his immense knowledge in Indigenous and broader public service.
Dinsdale’s interest in serving on the Board was sparked through his work as former CEO of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Executive Director of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).
“We held one of the first engagement sessions with families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls at Carleton,” explained Dinsdale. “As a resident of Ottawa, I knew of the important role and prevalence that Carleton plays and the opportunity to help was appealing.”
Dinsdale’s work advocating for Indigenous issues and communities has been notably recognized. In March, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour and more recently, was a recipient of the 2019 Inspire Public Service Award.
“In this era of reconciliation, institutions are trying to find their role in and how they can contribute,” said Dinsdale. “Carleton is committed to taking up the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action and if there is a role I can play in terms to developing approaches and concepts I’m happy to support that journey.”
Most recently, Dinsdale provided oversight to the development and consultation of Carleton’s Indigenous Strategy, an initiative that he believes illustrates how he and the university can be “Here for Good”.
“Carleton is showing up and being an active contributor to the reconciliation movement,” said Dinsdale. “How we position for that and how Carleton can be here good for Indigenous people, is through our programs and approaches. Benoit is on a great path continuing what we’ve started.”
Dinsdale has worked and volunteered on local, regional and national levels throughout his career. A Laurentian University alum, Dinsdale holds a Bachelors Degree in Native Studies and Political Science, a Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities and an honorary degree from Canadore College. He has co-edited three volumes of Aboriginal Policy Research as well as “Urban Aboriginal Communities in Canada: Complexities, Challenges, Opportunities”.
Currently serving on the Board’s nominating and executive committees, Dinsdale enjoys his visits to campus.
“I love the energy and vibe of being on campus,” he explained. “It’s the students that bring that energy and vitality in with their level of intellectual curiosity. They are what make the university.”
When asked what advice he would provide our students, Dinsdale explained that it is not his role to provide advice but instead aspirations.
“My hope for students is that they make the most of their experience,” he said. “Grow and develop, be curious and explore, create an impact. Use this opportunity to the fullest.”
Dinsdale was elected to the Board of Governors for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2019.
Learn more about Carleton University’s Board of Governors by visiting www.carleton.ca/secretariat/boardofgovernors