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As the Convocation period came to an end in June, OISE students, faculty and community members turned their attention – and their unending gratitude – to Professor Njoki Wane, who is retiring from her role as chair of the Department of Social Justice Education.

Dr. Wane, a distinguished scholar and educator in the areas of Black Feminisms, African Indigenous knowledges, anti-racism education and anti-Black racism, stepped into her role as chair in 2019. It is among the many leadership roles she has served at OISE and the University of Toronto more broadly since her arrival in 1997.

Dr. Wane's thesis group members, both past and present, hosted a special gathering to honour her outstanding academic leadership and invaluable presence as a thesis supervisor. It was an evening of gratitude, joy, celebration and happy tears.

“Dr. Wane’s research on African Indigenous knowledges, spirituality, and decolonization has enriched our understanding and appreciation of identity formation, historical contexts and reclaiming our Indigeneity. Her work transcends borders and continents, touching lives far and wide,” said Dr. Lisa Chinchamie, an OISE, doctoral graduate from the Department of Social Justice Education and co-member of the planning committee for the celebration.

“Professor Wane, thank you for who you are and all that you do. We are truly blessed to have you as our academic and community leader.”

To mark this occasion, a few of Dr. Wane’s past and present students shared stories about their time with the distinguished faculty member – and the impact Dr. Wane has had on them.

Dr. Adrian Aziz
Doctor of Education, Department of Social Justice Education

Being a mature student and doing an EdD [Doctor of Education] was a daunting experience and I was fortunate enough to have the dedication of the supervisor who at each step in the journey provided me with timely and impactful feedback.

Dr. Wane’s careful consultation with me regarding committee members proved in the end to garner a thesis that I am proud of and successfully defended. Dr. Wane’s approach to supervision extended into our thesis study group environment where she created opportunities for collaboration and self-expression, and useful resources while providing a welcome space for all students who were in different stages of either the masters and doctoral process. This allowed for the sharing of ideas and circles of friendships outside the group. Many of these relationships have been sustained post-graduation. I want to once again thank Dr. Wane for her work and legacy in the SJE department.

Angad Kaur
Doctoral Student, Department of Social Justice Education

Dr. Wane is a spiritual and whole person. She is not trying to be somebody else or to be someone else’s version of herself, not even the academy’s idea of her. Because she lives her truth, she walks and speaks with clarity and light. Because she is whole and vibrates the truth, she sees the truth in her students, the gifts and light in her students. She holds that space with love, so each one of us sees that light in ourselves and the importance of the stories and truths we have to tell.

My path to my doctorate is not a traditional one, and my subject matter is unconventional. Yet, Dr. Wane has only encouraged me, and is so clear about challenging colonial and hierarchal epistemologies that she has guided me effectively in how to frame and ground my research and experience. Uncomfortable truths, powerful healing stories and groundbreaking research are being written by Dr. Wane’s students because she holds space for all of us with heart-centered leadership, intuition, courage, and resistance to the status quo.

Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John
Professor, Community Justice Services, Humber College

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Wane in 2003 when I enrolled in her Black Feminist Thought course at OISE U of T. Dr. Wane’s teaching methods incorporate Western epistemological knowledge with Indigenous knowledge. This unique approach is applied by Dr. Wane even beyond the classroom, extending to her research, community development work, supervision approaches and activism. Dr. Wane maintains an ability to use different teaching and community development approaches concurrently, fostering inclusion among diverse partners. Over the years I cannot recount the number of times she has said to me and others “I see YOU.”

In her role of thesis supervisor and professor, Dr. Wane is a unique leader.   She takes initiative and great care to mentor, challenge and support graduate students. This mentoring and support are a much-appreciated contribution to graduate students’ experience.  In Dr. Wane’s classes and thesis group, she creates a safe space for the students to engage in reflection and critical thinking through open dialogue, divergent and dissenting opinions, and ideas. Dr. Wane’s monthly thesis group meeting is a unique supportive space for students to test ideas, ask critical questions and reduce the isolation that marginalized students commonly face in academic institutions. Over the years, Dr. Wane has supported students through many milestones and hardships: from illness, financial hardship, to grief and loss.  Dr. Wane demonstrates to her students how to see each other’s humanity   In gratitude for the critical role which the thesis group played in both my master’s and doctoral studies, I continue to assist with the coordination and cofacilitation of the monthly thesis group meeting. 

Dr. Wane believed in me sometimes more than I believed in myself. It is her strong belief in and encouragement of her students which helps us to complete our master’s and doctoral studies. Dr. Wane’s practices and mentoring have motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks in my own academic work. I am encouraged to pursue the “road least travelled” as an African Black feminist cis gender woman, mother, survivor, and immigrant. Doing so under Dr. Wane’s mentorship culminated in my pursuit of admission into the PhD program, and later doctoral degree conference in 2021.

Dr. Wane’s critical analysis has pushed me to understand complex situations in academy and community with greater depth, but also to recognize that we have always had the solutions. We must call on our ancestors and like the Sankofa bird, we must look back and bring forward what will guide us in the future.   These characteristics make Dr. Wane an excellent professor and doctoral supervisor, a significant contributor to OISE U of T, and humanity.

Dr. Dorothy Anthony Nzanwata
President, Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS)

In the vast landscape of academia, few individuals stand out as pillars of inspiration and transformation. Professor Wane is one such extraordinary individual whose impact on my life and academic journey is both profound and unforgettable. Her unparalleled dedication and compassionate nature significantly influenced my doctoral studies and permanently altered my perspective on life. Despite obstacles, her faith in me was key to my success. For this, I am eternally grateful.

As my thesis supervisor, she provided academic guidance and mentorship that transcended conventional teaching. She invested countless hours reviewing my work on critical analysis from an Indigenous perspective, offering constructive feedback, and encouraging me. My thesis became a fulfillment of academic requirements and a genuine contribution to the field.

Professor Wane saved the life of my classmate, who was suicidal due to the challenges of academia. Her prompt action and sensitivity served as crucial support, showcasing her as not just an educator but a guardian angel to those in need.

As a distinguished scholar, her dedication to the community aligns with her passion for Indigenous studies. Dr. Dorothy N. Anthony, the founder of Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS), in collaboration with HHS, SC, and CETI, recognized and celebrated her with “The Black History Champion Leadership Excellence Award” for her efforts in preserving African Indigenous heritage.

As a woman of color, Professor Wane gave me the courage to pursue my dreams and the strength to overcome the challenges I faced. Her mentorship, compassion, and advocacy have left a positive mark on my academic journey and personal growth. Her legacy continues to inspire me as I move forward in my career and life. Professor Wane is not just a remarkable professor; she is a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a champion for all those who dare to dream and overcome.