LCS Welcomes Maurice Switzer ’63 Back to Campus for Conversations on History, Reconciliation, and Dialogue

Lakefield College School was pleased to welcome alumnus Maurice Switzer ’63 back to campus on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 for a two-day visit including classroom discussions, informal gatherings, and a Lakefield Literary Festival special event, where he joined as a special guest speaker to discuss his recent book, Sons of Tecumseh.

A dedicated member of the LCS community, Maurice has remained closely connected to the school over the years, serving as a LCS Trustee and former LCS Board member, and contributing his time and philanthropic support in meaningful ways. A journalist, educator, and advocate for human and treaty rights, and a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, Maurice has held national leadership roles in Indigenous communications and education, bringing a depth of experience that continues to inform meaningful opportunities for engagement with students and the school today.

During his visit to campus, Maurice joined students in Mr. Gilfilan’s and Ms. McGrath’s Interdisciplinary War Experience class and Ms. Boomgardt’s Global Issues class, where he shared reflections on his experience as a student in the 1960s compared to today. He noted the many changes at the school over time, reflecting on how the school has evolved. Conversations also explored current global events, Indigenous contributions to the major wars of the 20th century, and the ongoing importance of reconciliation.

Mr. Gilfilan reflected on the visit, noting the strong engagement from students and the quality of their questions, which helped create a meaningful exchange with Maurice.

Maurice also had the opportunity to catch up with a small group of faculty and staff, along with Head of School Ms. Kee, over lunch at her home.

That evening, the school hosted a Lakefield Literary Festival special event, where Maurice joined as a special guest speaker to discuss his recent book, Sons of Tecumseh. The event also featured Trent University Professor Jackson Pind, who joined Maurice in conversation and shared insights from his recent work, Students by Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Indian Day School.

It was a meaningful visit that sparked thoughtful dialogue across classrooms and the wider school community, and we are grateful to Maurice for returning to LCS and sharing his time with us.