Cape Breton University to host Indigenous Education in Canada with Chief Ovide Mercredi

As part of its ongoing Strategic Planning process, Cape Breton University will host, Indigenous Education in Canada with Chief Ovide Mercredi. The community event will take place on at 9 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2018, at the Boardmore Theatre and serve as an important forum for education and dialogue.
“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. 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 Initiatives & 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 Justice 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.