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Dr. Michaël Séguin is an assistant professor at Saint Paul University and director of the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity in Ottawa. Trained as a sociologist of ethnic relations, his expertise lies in crafting policies and strategies to nurture Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within not-for-profit organizations, including settlement agencies and institutions of higher education. From his foundational doctoral research, which delved into the cognitive dimensions of Israeli settler colonialism and its impact on the representation of Palestinians, to his current pursuits in DEI, his intellectual voyage has been marked by an unwavering commitment to social justice.
From Rigaud to the Holy Land: A Journey Towards Justice
Dr. Michaël Séguin's journey from the agricultural landscapes of Rigaud, Québec, where he was raised as the son of dairy farmers, to the corridors of academia in Ottawa, is a testament to the transformative power of exploration and intellectual evolution. Seeking avenues for exploration, Séguin found himself drawn to the realm of religion, particularly Roman Catholicism, during his formative years in Rigaud.
His quest for understanding led him to join religious congregations in Montreal while pursuing his undergraduate studies in theology. However, Séguin's intellectual curiosity propelled him to change course, seeking a broader worldview—one that embraced diverse perspectives and expanded horizons. Transitioning from a theology BA to an MA, Séguin's academic trajectory took a pivotal turn when he enrolled in Religious Studies at the Université de Montréal.
It was there, amidst the rich tapestry of secular voices from various religious backgrounds, that Séguin's fascination with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was ignited. His journey to the “Holy Land” exposed him to the stark realities of political unrest and military occupation, challenging his preconceived notions and prompting a profound re-evaluation of his worldview and a shift in his religious studies to sociology as he embarked on doctoral studies.
Séguin's academic and personal journeys intersected unexpectedly at a Tunisia Conference in 2012, where he met his future wife, an immigrant from Morocco who later settled in Canada. Their relationship not only marked a pivotal moment in Séguin's life but also deepened his understanding of the immigrant experience, igniting his passion for allyship and advocacy.
Contrasting the Israeli and Québécois contexts, Séguin's observations of systemic inequalities, particularly Islamophobia in Quebec, galvanized his research interests in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This especially happened during his post doctorate at HEC Montréal as he sought to unravel the complexities of diversity management within the Québecois context.
The Academic Advocate
In his professional role, Séguin's passion emanates from the intersection of activism and academia, where he finds himself privileged to contribute to social justice initiatives. With a deep-rooted commitment to advocacy, Séguin cherishes the autonomy afforded by academic freedom, allowing him to pursue research and teaching endeavours aligned with his values.
As Séguin assumes the role of school director on May 1st, he sees an opportunity to foster collaboration and dialogue among individuals from diverse perspectives. He believes that by bringing together varied voices, the collective wisdom gained can lead to more informed and sustainable decisions that consider the needs of all stakeholders.
While his scholarly pursuits involve reading and writing papers, Séguin acknowledges that true transformative learning often occurs through action and practice. As he navigates the realms of DEI and leadership studies within a Catholic institution (SPU), Séguin grapples with multifaceted challenges, including addressing sexual diversity, gender inequality, religious pluralism and creating inclusive environments for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In his quest to shape a university environment that honors the Catholic intellectual traditions while opening safe spaces for historically marginalized groups, Séguin emphasizes the importance of dialogue and collaboration. By engaging with different perspectives and experiences, Séguin envisions a university community that thrives on inclusivity, empathy, and shared understanding.
Séguin underscores the pervasive influence of power dynamics within organizations, emphasizing that the moment one steps into a room or an organization, a culture of power becomes evident. He observes that not everyone can participate equally, as some individuals possess a louder voice or better understand the rules of the game. By acknowledging these power imbalances, Séguin asserts that it becomes impossible to proceed with business as usual. Despite the equality theorically enshired in laws, practical experiences often reveal disparities in treatment and opportunity.
Addressing these disparities requires a nuanced approach. Séguin believes that leaders and decision-makers must recognize the uniqueness of each situation, listen to their staff and adapt their strategies accordingly. Organizations can foster a more trusting and inclusive environment by acknowledging power differences and creating space for all voices to be heard. However, Séguin acknowledges the challenges inherent in implementing such changes, noting that it's easier said than done.
He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of pushback and resistance. By openly acknowledging and addressing issues, organizations can create a more sustainable environment where individuals feel valued and understood. Séguin believes that fostering a sense of belonging and safety is paramount, as it allows employees to engage meaningfully in their work.
Ultimately, Séguin believes that creating a workplace where employees feel their contributions are meaningful is essential for both individual well-being and organizational success. He cautions against the dangers of employees feeling their work is meaningless, as it leads to dissatisfaction and undermines the organization's mission. In Séguin's view, addressing power imbalances and fostering inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in today's complex landscape.
Séguin's Perspective on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Séguin's insights into the Israel-Palestine conflict offer a profound understanding of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stresses that the crisis is entirely human-made and, tragically, entirely avoidable. This crisis, Séguin explains, is the result of a long history of settler colonialism, stretching back over a century. From the British mandate to present-day perspectives, the situation mirrors the colonial histories of nations like Canada, the USA, and Australia.
The issue of Zionist settler colonialism, Séguin asserts, lies at the heart of the conflict. Settler colonialism involves the displacement of indigenous populations to make way for newcomers/pioneers—a narrative seen across various parts of the world, including Canada, and helpful to understand the dispossession of the Palestinian people as an ongoing process.
Séguin highlights the importance of acknowledging Canada's colonial past and its ongoing impact on Indigenous populations. He emphasizes the need to develop meaningful relationships with First Nations communities and move beyond a colonial mindset, a challenge for both citizens, newcomers and settlement organizations. Séguin urges a re-evaluation of Canada's involvement in global issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for a more nuanced approach that considers the complexities of settler colonialism and its own commitment to the self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
In addressing global issues, Séguin calls for a critical examination of political allegiances and urges an impartial implementation of international law, including international humanitarian law and the right to self-determination. He stresses the importance of being allied with marginalized populations, such as the Palestinians, and suggests that this alliance requires a thorough review of Canada's role in perpetuating or mitigating global conflicts.
In conclusion, Séguin's perspective underscores the interconnectedness of global issues and the imperative for Canada, including government agencies and settlement organizations, to confront its colonial past and adopt more nuanced approaches to international conflicts. Through critical reflection and meaningful action, Canada can strive toward a future characterized by justice, equity, and genuine reconciliation.
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