Whatever Happened to Good Old-Fashioned Manifest Destiny? Imperialism and Colonialism in Our Modernity asks why ideas we claim to have outgrown continue to surface in today’s political, economic, and business decisions. Drawing on current events—from resource extraction and land disputes to assertions of sovereignty and inevitability—I explore how colonial and imperial logics persist, often unnamed. As a professor of business specializing in Indigenous business and governance and in the structures of colonialism, I approach Manifest Destiny not as history but as a lingering framework. This talk does not offer conclusions; it asks whether these ideas ever disappeared—and what it means if they did not.
Speaker: Dr. Don McIntyre
Don McIntyre is an Anishinaabe of the Wolf Clan from the Timiskaming Nation, an award-winning painter and carver who has worked throughout his life in the traditional style of his territories. More recently, he has also incorporated modern urban-life visions into his work. Don holds a PhD in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought, looking at Semiotics, Legal Pluralism and the abilities of Indigenous Socio-Legal practices to enhance and improve Western legal paradigms. He received his LLB/JD and Master of Laws from UBC. Briefly working in the area of Corporate-Commercial Litigation for a large international law firm, Don went on to launch his own law corporation specializing in the areas of Aboriginal Law, Governance, Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge, and Art Law.
His passion for academics and creativity drew him away from his practice and naturally to teaching. Don has taught at colleges, universities and in First Nation communities in North America and around the world, providing knowledge in the areas of Indigenous Art and Traditions, Social Innovation, Law and Society, Negotiations, and Treaty. He is presently an Assistant Professor and Co-Chair at the University of Lethbridge in the Dhillon Business School’s Indigenous Governance and Business Management Stream. He is a Fellow and Collaborator with WISIR (Waterloo Institute of Social Innovation and Research at the University of Waterloo) and faculty at the Haida Gwaii Institute.
Date/Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.
Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session