News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario
Posted May 29th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
(A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Larte – I am honoured to post this good news about this very fine person in our midst on Niagara At Large. Congratulations to Tim Johnson and may his contributions to our community of communities be an inspiration to all.)
Tim Johnson, President of the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations, will receive an honorary doctorate during Brock’s Spring Convocation on Thursday, June 11. Photo courtesy of Brock University
Tim Johnson has dedicated his life to sharing Indigenous history and culture with people across North America and inspiring them to learn more.
During Brock University’s Spring Convocation next month, the President of the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations hopes to spark that same inspiration in the graduating class.
Johnson will deliver the Convocation address on Thursday, June 11 at the 10 a.m. ceremony, where he will also be presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University recognizing his accomplishments and contributions.
Throughout his expansive career of more than 45 years, Johnson has served in several roles and advised on many initiatives that amplify the importance of recognizing Indigenous history.
During his time as Associate Director for Museum Programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, he launched and oversaw critically acclaimed exhibitions, programs and publications that shed light on the Indigenous experience — raising awareness of Indigenous contributions to many facets of society, from history and the arts to science, sport and contemporary music.
Johnson’s passion for education begins with pride in his own Indigenous ancestry. Learning he’d be recognized by Brock prompted him to again reflect on his heritage.
“This honour bestowed upon me by Brock University is deeply appreciated and represents a profound full-circle moment in my family history,” he said.
His seventh great-grandfather, Joseph Brant, was a Mohawk leader who advocated for Indigenous allies of the Crown following the American Revolution, and Brant’s son, John Brant, fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. A statue honouring John Brant<https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2018/12/indigenous-statues-find-their-home-at-brock-university/> overlooks Brock’s Indigenous Healing Garden.
A portrait of Tim Johnson’s seventh great grandfather, Mohawk leader Joseph Brant.
“As a representative of the Crown, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock was widely respected by Six Nations leadership and remains recognized for his valour, leadership and sacrifice along the front lines of one of the defining conflicts in the formation of Canada,” Johnson said. “To receive this honour from an institution that bears his name is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me and my family.”
In addition to his work in the U.S., Johnson has had a notable impact in Canada, including the Niagara region.
He served as Project Director of the recently opened Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School exhibit and visitor experience for the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford and as Lead Indigenous Curator of Sho’aríshon Park, the Neutral Nation Legacy Site in Lincoln.
Now, as President of the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations, Johnson serves as Indigenous Advisor on museums, heritage and legacy for the prestigious global cultural planning firm Lord Cultural Resources.
Johnson also offered his expertise in the development of the Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map, Greenbelt Indigenous Botanical Survey and the Framework for Essential Understandings About Indigenous Peoples of the Niagara Region. He co-edited Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist, a book covering 13,000 years of Niagara’s Indigenous history; executive produced the award-winning documentary RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World; and led the curation of several Indigenous memorials, parks and public artworks in the Niagara region.
He has been recognized for his work with the Dreamcatcher Foundation Award for Art and Culture in 2016, the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024 and the Mayor’s Medal from the Town of Lincoln in 2026.
Brock’s 119th Convocation will include seven ceremonies held from Tuesday, June 9 to Friday, June 12 in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium of Brock’s Walker Sports Complex. Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, except for Friday, June 12, when only a morning ceremony is scheduled.
All ceremonies will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream<https://www.brocku.ca/livestream>
For more information and a full schedule of Brock’s Spring Convocation, visit brocku.ca/convocation<https://www.brocku.ca/convocation>
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