Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire

Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire began her journey at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in 1999 with a focus on traditional teachings. Since then, she has taken on various roles within the university community, including honorary member, Board of Governors, Advisory Council, School of Medicine and a member of TMU’s Senate. Joanne holds an honorary doctorate of law from the Community Services Faculty at TMU.

In 2019, Joanne was appointed to the role of Elder and Senior Advisor at TMU, where she played a pivotal role in integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the core of the university’s culture and community. From 2020 to 2021, Joanne was the co-chair of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, where she and the team developed principles to guide commemoration at the university and to respond to the history and legacy of Egerton Ryerson within the context of the university’s values. Following the Task Force’s final report, Ryerson University was renamed Toronto Metropolitan University.

As a leader on the Indigenous Education Council, Truth and Reconciliation Strategic Working Group, and a member of the Senate, Joanne is dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but represented. She is passionate about embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric of TMU’s culture and community. Her belief in the art of taking people at face value without judgment is deeply rooted in her commitment to educating the community about the real history of this land and the injustices Indigenous people live with today. Her advocacy for Indigenous rights and justice is a cornerstone of her work.

During Joanne’s time at TMU, the university has been consistently supportive and enthusiastic about the growth and evolution of programs, buildings, faculty, and staff. Throughout it all, students have remained the central focus — they are the ones who keep the community vibrant and the work so interesting.

Joanne’s influence extends beyond TMU as she also serves as the Elder for the Toronto District School Board’s Urban Indigenous Education Centre.