“As we move forward in our strategic planning process it is crucial to include the voices and knowledge of the Indigenous community,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cape Breton University. “It is vital to the health of our community as a whole, that we listen first, and then work with the First Nation Chiefs, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community leaders to ensure that we are on the right path to reconciliation and meaningful educational delivery.”
Chief Mercredi is of Cree descent and is a highly respected lawyer, negotiator, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, lecturer, activist, artist, author and poet. He co-authored In the Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations with Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 1993 and published a collection of poetry in 2015 called My Silent Drum. Mercredi has received honourary degrees from Bishops University, St Mary’s University, the University of Lethbridge and Athabaska University. He received the Order of Manitoba in 2005. His presentation will focus on Indigenous Education in Canada.
“We are thrilled that Chief Mercredi is able to be with us at Cape Breton University,” says Stephen Augustine, Associate Vice President, Indigenous Affairs & Unama’ki College. “CBU has a forty-year history of working with First Nations communities and as we work toward further strengthening those relationships and Indigenizing our educational and academic experience, we want to ensure that we do it hand in hand with the communities that we serve. Chief Mercredi’s vision and experience will undoubtedly provide great guidance as we make that journey.”
Chief Mercredi was previously quoted as saying, “I say that I am an optimist about our future because I know that when we come together as men and women, as Elders and children, for the collective good of our people and the advancement of our communities and our societies, not only will we benefit, but Canada as a whole will benefit.”
The event will begin with opening prayers and drumming, go on to highlight the voices of our community with a Talking Circle and include a brief video presentation by Senator Murray Sinclair, What is Reconciliation?
Refreshments will be provided following the presentation. All members of the community are welcome to attend the free event and can RSVP by emailing strategicplanning@cbu.ca.
Cape Breton University is an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary leader, with a growing national and international reputation. Currently home to 3400 students, CBU’s vision of post-secondary education allows students to pursue dynamic fields of study that are ideally suited for success in liberal arts, business, health, education, science and technology. Students from more than 40 countries study at CBU and benefit from the university’s unique commitment to community, economic development, Indigenous learning, and research into many aspects of environment and culture.
