The University of Winnipeg hosted its second-annual Spring Feast, celebrating the renewal of the earth and acknowledging the work of Indigenous scholars, students, and community members.
Students, faculty, staff, community members, and Elders filled Convocation Hall for the celebration, which included a pipe ceremony led by Elder Dan Thomas, welcoming remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor Annette Trimbee, a presentation of awards, and a moving honour song sung by Ray (Coco) Stevenson.
“Their dedication and commitment will hold them in good stead as they continue on their journey of accomplishment and service,” said Andrea McCluskey, Aboriginal Student Services Centre Coordinator and Aboriginal Academic Advisor. “Each has had a major impact in their areas to date, and all will undoubtedly continue to contribute in meaningful ways as time goes by.”
Award recipients were presented with gifts made by Lucy Ducharme, Dawnis Kennedy, Lori New Breast, Angeline Nelson, and Anna Parenteau.
The following individuals were honoured:
Cameron Adams received The Dr. Tobasonakwut Kinew Scholarship for Culture, History, and Language. Adams is a second-year Indigenous Studies major. He is passionate about Indigenous language revitalization and is currently developing a Swampy Cree language app.
Clarissa Bird received The Ewaaskoziig Anongoonhs (Bright Star) Award. Bird is a University of Winnipeg Collegiate Model School student with a passion for sports and is a strong community leader.
Dr. Jaimie Cidro was recognized with The University of Winnipeg Indigenous Research Scholar Award. Dr. Cidro is an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology and a Canada Research Chair in Health and Culture. Her research focuses primarily on Indigenous social determinants of health, specifically Indigenous maternal and child health, and food sovereignty.
Jarita Greyeyes received the inaugural University of Winnipeg Weweni Future Scholar Award. Greyeyes is currently a doctoral student in Race, Inequality, and Language in Education at Stanford University where her research centres on Indigenous women in leadership and their Indigenization efforts within the academy.
Mildred Moar is an elder and co-teacher of beginner and intermediate Learning Anishinaabemowin classes at the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre. She was honoured with The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre Award.
