Carman speakers’ group to welcome insights of author Niigaan Sinclair, son of the late Murray Sinclair – PembinaValleyOnline.com

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Carman speakers’ group to welcome insights of author Niigaan Sinclair, son of the late Murray Sinclair

For 45 years now, a group in Carman has removed any trace of the mundane from the midpoint of the week with its Wednesday Morning Group. The volunteer-run group gathers to take in perspectives from a variety of speakers — writers, politicians, local entrepreneurs, world travellers, and poets are among those who have been welcomed. 2025 is shaping up to be another year of remarkable visitors for a crowd that values knowledge from a variety of sources. “[It’s] quite a legacy that this group has provided to our community,” says Julie Ruban-McDonald, a volunteer with the group. “Hundreds of people [have] come to our presentations throughout those years.” A special speaker to open the year This January, the Wednesday Morning Group has invited an expert guest who is sure to offer food for thought — Winnipeg-based Anishinaabe writer and activist Niigaan Sinclair. The group is looking forward to it. “We’re very thrilled that Niigaan Sinclair has agreed to come and speak to our group. Niigaan is the son of the late of the late Senator Murray Sinclair, but he’s really quite an accomplished writer in his own right,” says Ruban-McDonald. “He is the assistant professor in the departments of English and [Indigenous] Studies at the University of Manitoba and has written a number of books.” Ruban-McDonald says that most recently, Sinclair has published Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre, a work that has received the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. “It’s a very interesting book. I have had the chance to read it,” she says. “The book explores the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Winnipeg and the city’s role in addressing climate change, economic development and reconciliation.” Related stories: ‘I was called;’ Murray Sinclair’s life and legacy honoured at emotional memorial 5 Tips for Navigating Winter Blues and Improving Mental Wellness with Paul Penner Learning how to create harmony In addition to his published books, Ruban-McDonald says that some might recognize the name from Sinclair’s writing in The Winnipeg Free Press. Overall, given Sinclair’s vast expertise, Ruban-McDonald says the group is “quite interested in finding out more about [Sinclair’s] writings and teachings.” “We’re hoping that he will focus on Indigenous peoples, and we’re certainly interested in learning how we can [be] in a right relationship with Indigenous peoples in our community,” she says. The Wednesday Morning Group Ruban-McDonald has been a part of Carman’s Wednesday Morning Group in various capacities for over 35 years. She has seen it grow into something special. “One of our members had been away for the fall — she had been travelling, and when she came back after several months, she exclaimed, ‘Oh, it’s just like coming back home,’” she says. “That was a really nice comment to have.” Ruban-McDonald says that the “hearts and minds” of the attendees have grown together over the years. She adds that even so, the group is also “very open” to new people attending. “We would welcome anyone who’s interested to come to any of our speakers,” she says. Looking forward Niigaan Sinclair will be the group’s kickoff speaker for its 2025 season. The event takes place on January 8th at 10 a.m. at Carman United Church. “The group is not necessarily affiliated with the church, but they have very generously, for over 40 years, donated space to our group,” says Ruban-McDonald, adding that the presentations at the church usually run from about 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. “It’s a fairly informal group. We certainly do ask a lot of questions,” she says. “It is free to anybody who would like to attend, [but] we do ask for a donation of about $3, and that helps us cover some of our speaker expenses.” In the coming weeks and months, after Sinclair’s opening presentation, the Wednesday Morning Group will have its usual diversity of speakers. Attendees’ imaginations will be captured by topics such a raising crickets, palliative care, an artifact collection, and the story of a group of Manitobans’ experience visiting Palestine. With files from Robyn Wiebe