Oct. 31, 2025
Ceremony, familiar traditions welcome new U荔枝视频 Indigenous scholars
The 荔枝视频 welcomed six new Indigenous scholars into its community during a ceremony on Aug. 27.
Leading the ceremony were Elders , Hon. LLD鈥01, and Rose Crowshoe, Hon. LLD鈥24.
The new scholars, who were being admitted into several faculties from across the university, were presented to the ceremonial circle by their deans or mentors.
The Crowshoes then led the scholars in a smudge ceremony, symbolizing cleansing for a new journey. The Elders then shared a pipe with the new scholars, further welcoming them into the university, after which the group were gifted with blankets.
Indigenous scholars are Indigenous folks conducting research or creating impact for Indigenous peoples at the university.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Michael Hart, PhD, U荔枝视频鈥檚 vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement), and the performed by .
Elder Reg Crowshoe says this process is important when walking in parallel paths that combine western and Indigenous traditions.
鈥淐eremony is a deeply meaningful and important part of Indigenous oral practice," says Crowshoe.
"By bringing these oral practices into a university setting, we are able to better welcome Indigenous scholars and walk in parallel paths with the community.鈥
U荔枝视频 aims to recognize and celebrate Indigenous traditions and commits to this through , its Indigenous strategy. Mixing traditional Indigenous oral teachings with standard university practice creates belonging for all and allows the entire university community to become closer "in a good way."
鈥淭o have my spirit welcomed and presented to the university community, in ceremony, in a way that honours and respects us as Indigenous scholars, was a wonderful experience that allows us to begin our journey together in a good way," says Lisa L'Hirondelle, one of the Indigenous scholars welcomed during the ceremony.
"Maarsii to all who made this possible for us,鈥
A list of all the scholars welcomed to U荔枝视频 is as follows:
- Melissa Eastveld 鈥 Faculty of Nursing鈥
- Allyson Menzies 鈥 Faculty of Science鈥
- Cameron Semper 鈥 Cumming School of Medicine鈥
- Lisa L'Hirondelle 鈥 Indigenous Student Wellness Services
- Kristin Black 鈥 Cumming School of Medicine鈥
- Melanie Griffith Brice 鈥 Dean's Office, Werklund School of Education