Walking in two worlds INDIGENOUS GR ADUATION SPRING
2022
Quam Bene
Non Quantum Mount Royal’s motto, in place since our founding, means, “How well, not how much.”
Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Mohkinstsis, which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.
OKI, ABA WATHTECH, DADANAST’ADA, TANSHI,
Welcome graduates! Although the signing of Treaty 7 occurred on Sept. 22, 1877, our ancestors were connected intertribally for generations before that. In 1910, Mount Royal College was granted a charter to begin operating as a post-secondary institution. Now, as a degree-granting university, we graduate more than 100 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and non-status Indigenous students every year. Graduates, imagine your ancestors from that time seeing you today, as individuals who have learned to walk in both the western and Indigenous worlds — this was their hope and dream for the seventh generation. We acknowledge this momentous occasion and recognize your hard work. We are honoured to celebrate your achievements with you, your family and your support community. In addition, today’s event is part of Mount Royal’s commitment to raise awareness of Indigenous peoples, cultures and student support throughout the University and the greater community. Today is a wonderful celebration where, as Indigenous graduates, you reflect on your achievements and appreciate the people who helped you.
THE SPIRIT OF
learning
THE SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE
in the spirit of learning, pre-contact Indigenous people travelled extensive north america trade routes to gather information from remote lands and peoples to improve and share their knowledge and findings about healing knowledge, environment knowledge, social knowledge and agriculture knowledge to better understand the natural world and the laws of nature that surround them. the concept of Indigenous knowledge is rooted in complete respect of how each and every life form is interconnected to surrounding life and how each ecosystem supports each other, not for exploitation but awareness and understanding.
happy trails, linda manyguns, phd associate vice-president, Indigenization and decolonization
REACHING OUR GOALS
transforming OUR LIVES
My sincere congratulations to the graduates! You made sacrifices and worked hard to earn an education in your chosen discipline. In parallel, the experience of pursuing your academic goals led to personal growth. Today is a time to celebrate your resilience, your perseverance and your growth. Friends and family members of graduates, you helped someone dear to you in their academic journey — evidence that you, too, value higher learning. Your encouragement and support of today’s graduates, especially during a very difficult period, creates an invaluable legacy of each generation encouraging the next to pursue their goals. Faculty and staff, today is the outcome of your commitment to education. Mount Royal’s strong reputation for teaching and learning comes from your efforts. Your support of each student as a whole person will endure. Today we have the honour of watching graduates of MRU move on to their next adventure. I also appreciate community members who partner with us and support post-secondary education in Alberta. We are very fortunate to benefit from their experience, wisdom, passion and support. Over many years I have witnessed the enthusiasm of individuals as education transforms their lives, and in turn, brings energy to communities and society. I am so pleased to celebrate the momentous achievements of today’s graduates with all of you today.
Sincerely, Timothy Rahilly, PhD President and Vice-Chancellor Mount Royal University
Today’s speakers ROY BEAR CHIEF, ESPOOM TAAH (HELPER) Roy Bear Chief is from the Siksika Nation. He has been living in the city since 1980. Roy moved to the city much like others who are seeking housing, education and/or employment. His education consists of a Nursing Assistant certificate; a GED from Bow Valley College; a Social Work diploma from Mount Royal College; and a Bachelor and a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Roy has worked in Siksika Income Support, Siksika Children’s Services and Siksika Health Services, as well as being Tribal Manager for Siksika Nation administration. He’s also worked for Aboriginal Mental Health, various hospitals and in a group home for people with spinal cord injuries. He was elected into Siksika leadership as a member of Chief and Council in 19992001 and 2008-1010. He has worked for Vibrant Communities Calgary as an Aboriginal Consultant within the Aboriginal Poverty Reduction Strategy. He also worked with Momentum in a lead role with their Indigenous Community Engagement Strategy. He also did part-time work with Calgary Legal Guidance as an Elder/ Program Advisor as well as being an Elder-In-Residence for the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University since July 2017. Currently, he is an Espoom tah (Helper) with the Department of Health, Community, and Education at Mount Royal University. In this role, which he has held since September 2018, he guest lectures, and raises consciousness and awareness that Indigenous ways of knowing and doing have a place in an institutional landscape of learning. So far people have been listening. Roy is also mindful of his life experience as a residential school survivor after spending 10 years in the system from 1955-1964. “It was an experience that still resonates in my mind.”
ELDER EDMEE COMSTOCK Edmee is the youngest of 17 children from one of the most important historical families of the Red River Settlement. Her great-grandfather was John Bruce (Jean-Baptiste Bruce), the first president of the Métis Provisional Government at the Red River Colony. Louis Riel was his secretary. Edmee considers herself blessed to be raised in a traditional Métis family with a strong work ethic and sense of community, spirituality and belonging. While others were hiding their culture, her father taught his children to be proud of their heritage. This is a legacy she carries on today through her generous sharing of her cultural teachings, Michif language and history through educational outreach programs for youth and families. Edmee’s calm, reflective and welcoming spirit urges everyone to forgive and march on, to not hurt anyone, and to always help others. Wearing her Métis sash with great pride, she is a wellrespected elder and a beloved representative of the Bruce clan of the Red River Colony. In 2012, Edmee was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work in the community. Edmee is involved in St. Mary’s University culture and events, the Iniikokaan Centre of Bow Valley College, and joined us at Mount Royal University during Métis Week and for Walking With Our Sisters.
JOSEPH PIMLOTT , PRESIDENT, MÉTIS NATION LOCAL 87
Joseph Pimlott is of Métis/English heritage and was born in Comox, B.C., moving to Calgary in 1987. He is husband to Jo-Ann, father of three and grandfather to two beautiful girls. Joseph works for Métis Calgary Family Services as a Community Liaison. In 2011, Joseph ran for Region 3 Vice President with the Métis Nation of Alberta, and in 2014 for Provincial Vice President. He was successful on both occasions. Joseph is the former Executive Director of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary and is the current President of Métis Local 87 in Calgary. Joseph was featured in the November 2016 edition of Maclean’s in the College All Stars to watch section. He was the Aboriginal Role Model Award of Alberta Recipient of 2016 in Volunteerism. Some of his past commitments and awards include serving as the Métis Nation of Alberta Justice Minister, being the chairman of the Bow Valley College Aboriginal Advisory Circle and serving as a member of the Calgary Aboriginal Standing committee on housing and homelessness. Currently, he is a member of the Indigenous Liaison Police Chiefs Advisory Board. He is also a Calgary Shriner and a Shrine Air Corps Captain. Joseph loves working with people and helping them reach their full potential. He believes that volunteerism not only helps grow and enrich our communities, but also builds up the next generation to love where they live. Joseph enjoys hiking and being surrounded by nature, volunteering, spending time with his family and building community.
ELDER HAYDEN MELTING TALLOW Hayden Melting Tallow was born on the Siksika First Nation in 1947. His siblings have all entered a life of spirituality and traditional powwow whereas Hayden’s heart was to help children who did not have a voice. He worked with Siksika Child and Family Services for more than 14 years and received much recognition from clients he helped over the years. He is a proud Siksika member, grandfather, father, brother and son. Since 2019, Hayden has been the Elder-inResidence in the Bissett School of Business.
NAMING OF THE
Iniskim Centre
The word Iniskim means Buffalo Calling Stone, and the stone holds special meaning to the Niitsitapi (Nit-sit-a-pee) (Blackfoot). “In the buffalo days, inii made their annual move in the springtime to their calving sites, such as near Buffalo Lake (a sacred Blackfoot site) in the northwest part of the Blackfoot traditional territory. Today, the young and old seek knowledge at Mount Royal University. When completed, they are able to benefit from their journey. Education is the new buffalo from which a good life will be attained. Iniskim Centre was named through a Blackfoot ceremony, it was destined to find the buffalo.” — Elder Miiksika’am It is told that long ago when food was scarce for the people of the plains, the inii (inn-knee) (buffalo) showed compassion for the people and sent a message through Weasel Woman. As she was collecting water from the river camp nearby, she heard a stone calling to her from the bushes. The stone told her to perform a ceremony to call the buffalo towards the pisskan (biss-gaan) (buffalo jump). Weasel Women took the Iniskim back to her camp and told the spiritual leaders about the ceremony. The people gathered and performed the ceremony. Soon, they began to have successful hunts. The buffalo provided food, better shelter and tools. The people began to thrive.
history WE’VE COME ALL THIS WAY, LET’S APPRECIATE OUR
Founded in 1910, Mount Royal is one of Alberta’s oldest post-secondary institutions. Starting as a Methodist and then a United Church of Canada institution, we grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s before evolving into a mid-sized university with a greater focus on four-year degrees in 2009.
1993
1994
1996
1998
The Aboriginal Education Project, as it was known at the time, begins offering classes and student success programming. This project was created in response to a proposal from the urban Aboriginal community, and in particular organizations such as the Calgary Aboriginal Friendship Centre and the Calgary Urban Affairs Committee. In time, the Calgary Aboriginal Education Society also becomes involved.
Sponsored by the Students’ Association, the first powwow on Sept. 17, 1994 recognizes and honours “the educational achievements of our Indigenous members with the Calgary and surrounding Indigenous communities”
Four Directions Lodge Student Society takes over responsibility for the powwow, ensuring Indigenous students are actively involved in the planning and execution of the celebration
The Students’ Association opens the Native Student Centre; with a dedicated base of student volunteers, the Association responsibility for the powwow
Mount Royal’s first campus
2007
2014
2016
2019
2022
Iniskim Centre opens its doors, offering programs and services to increase the engagement and success of Indigenous students while also raising awareness of Indigenous peoples and cultures
The BMO Aboriginal Peer Mentorship Program supports MRU Indigenous students. The legacy of a $1.5 million donation in 2013 for scholarships, bursaries and the peer mentorship program also provides leadership development and training, culturally safe programming and academic support
The Iniskim Centre assumes responsibility for the powwow, complementing the graduation banquet that has long been part of the Aboriginal Education Program
The Aboriginal Education Program is renamed the Indigenous University Bridging Program
The 28th annual event honours Indigenous graduates
Mount Royal campus East Gate, 2017
traditions
GIFTING OF AN EAGLE FEATHER The eagle is a symbol of truth, power and freedom as it roams the sky. Its wings represent the balance between male and female, each dependent upon the strengths and abilities of the other. When one holds the eagle feather, one must speak the truth as positively as one can, for the ear of the Creator is that much closer to the feather of the eagle. Therefore, First Nations people honour the feather of the eagle with great care, showing it respect and honesty at all times. To be given an eagle feather is the highest honour that can be awarded within First Nations culture.
GIFTING OF THE MÉTIS SASH A sash is presented as an honour for outstanding cultural, political and social contributions to the Métis Nation. Presentation of a sash is considered a great honour and it is worn with pride and esteem. Today, the sash is worn by all members of the Métis Nation as a symbol of nationhood and pride.
HONOUR SONG In 2018, Elder Miiksika’am gifted Mount Royal University with an Honour Song performed by The Sorrel Rider Singers. The Honour Song gifted is nothing less than that — an honour. Also, it serves as a reminder that the University has made promises, and that tremendous people like Elder Miiksika’am have faith in Mount Royal.
Indigenous
HONOURING AND EMBR ACING
KNOWLEDGE
MOUNT ROYAL’S COMMITMENT TO INDIGENIZATION Mount Royal’s Indigenous Strategic Plan was developed with guidance from local Indigenous leaders, experts in education and insight from the Mount Royal community. The Plan commits the University to: • • • • •
indigenize the campus; respect and embrace Indigenous knowledge and perspectives; build and strengthen partnerships; support Indigenous student success; and promote culturally responsible and respectful curricula.
The University is committed to answering the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address significant educational inequities that have existed for too long. The process to implement the Indigenous Strategic Plan has no finish: there will be continual learning and growing. Sookapi (All is well). Kitaakitama’tsinohpowaawa (I will see you all again).
Walking
IN TWO WORLDS INDIGENOUS AND WESTERN Honouring Indigenous cultures, languages, identities and spirituality while learning the knowledge and skills of Western education to support our people and communities.
ORDER OF CEREMONY
Grand Entry Song Grand Entry
The Sorrel Rider Singers Graduates, Elders and MRU Community will carry flags as they are drummed and danced towards the stage, beginning the celebration.
Flag Song
The Sorrel Rider Singers
Victory Song
The Sorrel Rider Singers
Celebration welcome
Steve Kootenay-Jobin, Iniskim Centre
Welcome and blessing
Roy Bear Chief, Espoom taah
Welcome and blessing
Elder Edmee Comstock
President and Vice-Chancellor’s address associate vice-president, Indigenization and decolonization address
Tim Rahilly linda manyguns
Three-course served meal Traditional powwow dancers Métis Jiggers Traditional songs Métis Nation Local 87 address
Wandering Spirit Métis Nation Region 3 Dancers The Sorrel Rider Singers Joseph Pimlott, President
Treaty 7 address
Elder Hayden Melting Tallow
Presenting Indigenous University Bridging Program graduates
Tori McMillan, Iniskim Centre
Presenting Indigenous credential graduates
John Fischer, Iniskim Centre
Bestowing of ceremonial gifts
Elder Hayden Melting Tallow Elder Edmee Comstock
Blanket ceremony
Honour Song Open mic Round dance Conclusion of Indigenous Graduation
Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor, and linda manyguns, associate vice-president, Indigenization and decolonization The Sorrel Rider Singers Community is invited to share stories and celebrate grads.
Indigenous Graduation
Saturday, June 4, 2022 2 p.m.
INDIGENOUS UNIVERSITY BRIDGING PROGR AM Alexandra Agecoutay
Sheena Many Heads
Brett Big Swan
Shelby Lynn Melting Tallow
Rechelle Burke
Atefeh Parsizadeh
Noelle Crane
Katie Sand
Chate-Lane Fox
David Sinclair
Jasmine Giroux
Brandy St gelais
Layton Graham
Letitia Strongeagle-Cyr
Jessica Jennings
Misty Swimmer
Saydie Jerry
Michelle Tremblay
Katea Kootenay
Ryan Whitford
Janessa Kosar
Vienna Williams-Wright
Lindsay Littlepoplar
Shaedon Wolf Child
Leslie Loukianow
Indigenous Graduation
Saturday, June 4, 2022 2 p.m.
INDIGENOUS CREDENTIAL GR ADS Bachelor of Arts Anthropology Sarah Buffalo Lynsey Own Chief
English Julia Kintop
History Vanessa Forbister Lucas Hendrix Lindsey Red Crow
Policy Studies Tatiyana Eagletail Diamond Reid
Psychology Felicia Fuerstenberg Hailey McCallum
Sociology Kaitlin Adair Veronica Big Plume Roberta Tracey Graham Sydney McKay
Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice Riley Mathies Courtney Peacock
Bachelor of Interior Design Jamal Gabriel
Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting Dylan Knezevich
Finance Madison O’Krane Jerrica Shorson Tyler Switzer
General Management Charmaine Fox Aurora Hardy Luke Lepine Emerson Pugh Myra Sangwais Naomi Melting Tallow
International Business Jared Farmer
Marketing Nicole Bourget Jordyn Caron
Bachelor of Child Studies Early Learning and Child Care Kaitlin Arnfinson Anna Larden
Bachelor of Communication Broadcast Media Studies Adam Solway
Journalism Jazmine Canfield
Public Relations Robyn Ferguson
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Tyler Bedier
Bachelor of Education — Elementary Chantelle Clairmont Mykale Dick Lindsey Jenkins Tessa LeCappellain Jorgia Montana Treena Pretty Youngman Cindy Skanderup Katie Straub
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Emily Isaak Spencer Smith
Physical Literacy Stephanie Elanik Fredrick Mayer Makayla Skrlac Bianca Tyrell
Sport and Recreation Management Kyla Lafferty
Bachelor of Midwifery Deanna Kumpf
Bachelor of Nursing Tyrah Brewster Mackenzie Cook Taylor Dickinson Amanda Dokuchie-Langlois Natalie Grierson Kelsey Kilback Rena Laboucan Eliisa Landry Stephanie McNarland Hannah Palmer
Social Work Diploma Skye Boucher Roberta Cardinal Jacqueline Colwell Shawn Cote Cheyenne Delorme Phantasma Levesque Alexandra McAteer Fancy-Rae Poitra Kiana Pollom-Smith
Bachelor of Science Environmental Science Emilie Caldwell Janelle Flett Ashley Peacock
General Science Kira Hessel Ysabella Macias Aidan MacIsaac Patience Tram
Health Science Christa Powers
Embalmer Certificate Elvera Tremblay
MRU alum looks good on you Take a deep breath — you did it! As a degree, diploma or certificate holder, you are taking the next step with Mount Royal University, not as a student, but as a lifelong member of the Mount Royal University Alumni Association. You now belong to a community of more than 110,000 alumni and a broader university community that values you. The Office of Alumni Relations will get in touch (most likely by email) with invitations to alumni programs to connect and inspire you, and support you in your career and leadership development. You’ll also receive alumni exclusive offers, and the opportunity to access products and services to help you navigate life after university. (We know insurance can be a boring necessity, but MRU alumni get great rates and your policy purchase supports alumni programs.) If you’d like to come back and connect with students as a mentor or speak to classes, there will be opportunities to do so. You can provide insights and knowledge as an Alumni Council volunteer, on program advisory committees, alumni focus groups and more. Mount Royal values what you think and how you feel. You are an integral part of who we are. We hope to see you on campus and at an alumni program very soon. In the meantime, we’ve put together a grad giveaway just for you! To enter, visit mru.ca/Always and update your contact information. Danielle Gibbie, BBA ’15 President, MRU Alumni Association Chair, MRU Alumni Council Eleanor Finger Director, Office of Alumni Relations
@MRUAlumni
MRU Alumni
@MRUAlumni
alumni@mtroyal.ca
In Treaty 7 languages, there aren’t words for goodbye because we believe we will see you again. Kita kita matsi no BLACKFOOT
Hũči Magqčac STONEY NAKODA
Nadanayistoni TSUUT’INA
Mína ka wapamitin MICHIF
See you again
Mount Royal University 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 mru.ca