Hello, Aanii
We are just a few days away from National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, a day for celebrating Indigenous Peoples and sharing the many stories within our community.
We have so much to be proud of, both of what Indigenous leaders are achieving today, and of what the next generation of leaders has been doing to further themselves.
Today, I would like to shine a spotlight on two exceptional individuals I met recently at our convocation ceremonies. Their stories embody the resilience and determination of Indigenous Peoples: Dehmin Eshkawkogan and Kristine Ominika.
Dehmin Eshkawkogan, an aspiring academic, is now on her way to pursue a master's degree and possibly a Ph.D. Her dedication to knowledge and empowerment has inspired us all. Similarly, we proudly honour Kristine Ominika, who I actually had the privilege of teaching years ago. Even as she raised a family, Kristine persevered and graduated with a degree in Indigenous Social Work. Both Dehmin and Kristine told me about the invaluable support they found at our Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre—a place where they found community and support for their academic journeys.
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, let us also acknowledge the incredible contributions of Indigenous peoples across various fields. Alika Lafontaine from the Ojibwe and Cree Nations, President of the Canadian Medical Association, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, exemplifying the resilience and expertise in the medical field. I should also mention Murray Sinclair, an Anishinaabe leader and advocate, who has devoted his life to truth, healing, and reconciliation, leaving an indelible mark on our society.
We are equally proud to recognize Olivia Poole, an Ojibwe inventor who ingeniously combined the traditional "tikonaagan" (cradleboard) technology with modern materials to create the iconic “Jolly Jumper”. In the realm of sports, the recent Stanley Cup Playoffs showcased Indigenous leadership with Brandon Montour and Zach Whitecloud leading their respective teams with tenacity, skill and leadership.
To fully embrace National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage you to support and participate in the many events taking place in the Greater Sudbury region. On our campus, we will begin the day with a smudging ceremony at 10:00 a.m. We will invite an elder to impart their wisdom on the significance of this national celebration and then join in the celebrations at Bell Park, where we will celebrate the spirit of unity and community during the cultural celebrations.
By celebrating the achievements and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, we not only honour their accomplishments but also empower future generations to believe in their own potential. Together, let’s foster a society that celebrates, values, and learns from the richness of First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures.
Chi Miigwech
Dominic Beaudry
Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs
Laurentian University