April 11, 2006 Source: :
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=183 AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine Keynote Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine Keynote as CBU Celebrates 20 Years of Mi’kmaq Studies (Sydney, NS) – On Wednesday, April 12 Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine will present a keynote speech during a celebration dinner to mark 20 years of Mi’kmaq Studies at Cape Breton University. Fontaine will speak to the audience of 100 plus invited guests on "First Nations and the Future of Canada." The guests include Aboriginal alumni, representatives from Cape Breton’s five First Nations reserves, faculty, staff and students spanning the two decades. Dr. Stephanie Inglis, Associate Professor of Mi’kmaq Studies at CBU has been involved in the development and success of the program since the beginning and is proud CBU is home to a number of firsts. "We wanted Mi’kmaq Studies to be recognized as an academic discipline equal to disciplines such as sociology and French. Mi’kmaq Studies was not to be a "program"; it was to be a recognized discipline that focused on the research and study of all things Mi’kmaq." She notes CBU was the first in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Mi’kmaq Studies and to hold a degree granting Convocation ceremony encompassing Mi’kmaq traditions, in a Mi’kmaq community. The quest for Mi’kmaq Studies at CBU began in the early 1980’s and was grounded in a vision to create a strong, rigorous university experience for Mi’kmaw students. The goal was to create an academic environment where Mi’kmaw students would be challenged, excited, invigorated and empowered by learning linguistic and historical details relevant to their lives and be equal players concerning a vision for future Mi’kmaw generations. Two decades later, CBU has graduated more than 300 Mi’kmaq and other First Nations students, is home to the Mi’kmaq College Institute, and the Mi’kmaq Resource Centre which houses the largest holding of Mik’maw resources and documents in Atlantic Canada. Hosting the current National Chief is a highlight for all involved in the celebration. Lindsay Marshall, a CBU alum and a current student in the MBA (CED) program will MC the evening’s agenda. Jaime Battiste, another CBU alum and Lecturer In Mi’kmaq Studies, will join Marshall in recognizing Aboriginal alumni in attendance. A few months ago, Battiste -- a former student of Inglis -- represented all of Canada’s Aboriginal youth at the First Ministers Conference in BC. He is also the Aboriginal Youth Role Model of the Year. The celebration tomorrow evening brings things full circle for Inglis and many others. "My greatest joy is when, almost 20 years later, I listen to and watch as those first Mi’kmaw graduates who are now working lawyers called to the bar and other professionals get together in homes and recreate those same debates held 20 years ago. I know we have succeeded as I listen to them challenge each other and discuss future directions of development. I look forward to the next ten years when I hope to see our Mi’kmaq Studies faculty at CBU consisting of Mi’kmaw academics with PhD’s in their respective fields of interest. I look forward to reading the books they will publish and to listening to their wisdom." CBU’s Aboriginal alumni have gone on to pursue graduate studies in law, education and other disciplines. Many have returned to their home communities to serve as teachers, principals, social workers, band administrators, CEO’s, health advisors and university professors. This celebration is the first in a series of initiatives to honour Mi’kmaq alumni and draw on their strengths as professionals and educators in their fields. Entertainment will be provided by the Kitpu Singers and Morning Star. Elders Murdena Marshall and Joe B. Marshall will provide the opening and closing prayers. Sponsors for the evening include: Eskasoni Band Councilors Allison Bernard Jr. and Leroy Denny; Chapel Island Band Councilor Helen Doyle, and Mi’kmaq Kinamatewey. About the Keynote Speaker:
Phil Fontaine is Anishinabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. He has dedicated most of his life to the advancement of First Nations people. From the beginning as a First Nations Youth activist with the Canadian Indian Youth Council, Phil has been an advocate for First Nations rights. In 1973, he was elected Chief of his community for two consecutive terms. Upon completion of his mandate as Chief of Sagkeeng, Phil and his family moved to the Yukon territory to serve as the Regional Director General with the federal government. In 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and served for three consecutive terms. In 1997 he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and continued to provide exemplary leadership in the advancement of First Nations issues. In July 2003, he was re-elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He is a visionary leader and has been instrumental in facilitating change. He attended the Residential Schools of Sagkeeng and Assiniboia, and was the first Aboriginal leader to publicly expose the shocking abuses that existed in secrecy within the Residential School system. While Chief of Sagkeeng, his belief in the autonomy and treaty rights of First Nations resulted in the establishment of Canada’s first locally controlled education system; Child & Family Services; and the first on-reserve Alcohol Treatment Centre. Fontaine is considered by many as a wonderful role model and brings a wealth of experience at the local, regional, national and international levels in working for First Nations communities. He is a charismatic leader with a proven track record in delivering results. He is closely connected to his culture and traditions and is fluent in the Ojibwe language. He is also the father of two children and a Mishoom to five grandchildren. CBU is the first University in Canada to have: A BA Major in Mi’kmaq Studies A Bachelor of Science in Western Science and traditional Aboriginal Knowledge (Integrative Science) Three tenured professors and numerous part-time faculty all of whom speak and write the Mi’kmaw language and whose areas of specialization are Aboriginal government and treaty rights, Mi’kmaq history, Mi’kmaq government, Mi’kmaq culture and language use, Mi’kmaq grammar and Mi’kmaq language acquisition. A tenured Mi’kmaq Studies professor specializing in Mi’kmaq culture and history who was the first graduate student in Canada to write her MA thesis in an Aboriginal language (Mi’kmaw). A degree granting Convocation ceremony encompassing Mi’kmaq traditions, held in a Mi’kmaq community. -30- Media Note: Chief Fontaine will be available for interviews following the event Wednesday evening (approximately 8:45 p.m.) Agenda and full bio available. The event takes place in the Multi-Purpose Room (CE241) with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dinner and keynote portion of the evening, starting at 7:00 p.m. Photos can also be provided next day. Contact:
Kelly Rose
Communications Officer
Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638
Cell: (902) 577-5371 (day of)
E-mail: kelly_rose@capebretonu.ca
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