Trustee Terry Newman Suspended in Hamilton Over Objection to Land Acknowledgments

By Dara Jerde

Terry Newman, a trustee on the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), was suspended indefinitely after publicly denouncing the board’s practice of opening meetings with Indigenous land acknowledgments. Her criticism ignited a wave of reaction from the community and Indigenous organizations and prompted action by the board to remove her from official duties.

What Sparked The Controversy?

During a recent HWDSB board meeting and in public posts on social media platform X, Newman labelled the land acknowledgment—a statement recognizing that meetings are held on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory—as unnecessary “political statements” and “quasi-religious.” She questioned their relevance in educational settings and pushed back against institutionalizing them at the start of each meeting.

Board Suspends Trustee

Within days, the board moved to suspend Newman, citing her comments as “conduct that has caused harm and is not in compliance with HWDSB policy.” Her removal was enacted without a set timeline for reinstatement, and she has been barred from participating in trustee meetings and official board events.

Community Backlash

The online signaled immediate backlash. One Indigenous parent told media that:

“Land acknowledgments aren’t just words—they are a recognition of treaty relationships and ongoing responsibilities.”

Others spoke out against what they saw as an essential step toward reconciliation and education.

Trustee Defends Her Stance

In public remarks, Newman defended her position as a defense of academic neutrality, arguing that the recurring statements served no practical purpose for students and introduced ideological content into board proceedings. She stated that trustees should foster learning without political framing.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the national tension around institutional land acknowledgments. Many Canadian school boards and public bodies see them as the first step in reconciliation and Indigenous-centric curriculum, while critics argue they are symbolic rituals lacking actionable substance.

Hamilton-Wentworth’s continued exclusion of Newman demonstrates the board’s firm commitment to established protocols and Indigenous recognition. Still, the debate about ritual versus real change is gaining momentum across school boards from Calgary to Toronto.

What Happens Next?

Newman remains suspended pending a review of her conduct and potential reinstatement. Meanwhile, the board has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive educational practices and continues to campaign for the consistent use of Indigenous acknowledgments.

Trustees worldwide are watching to see if this episode leads HWDSB to tighten conduct policies or strengthens the role of reconciliation frameworks in school governance.

Dara Jerde is a a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at dara.jerde@veritasexpositae.com