I am pleased to announce that Shelley Charles, Humber’s Elder and Advisor on Aboriginal Relations, has completed and been awarded a Master’s Degree in Indigenous Philosophy.  This MA degree along with the PhD in Indigenous Philosophy are the first of their kind, and are granted through a partnership with Seven Generations Education Institute* (SGEI) and the World Indigenous Nations University (WINU), and  endorsed by the World Indigenous Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC).

Shelley travelled to Fort Frances, Ontario to receive her degree during the World Indigenous Knowledge Gathering in Treaty 3 Regions. The ceremony was held in Naicatchewenin First Nation, with several VIPs and dignitaries in attendance, including Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer, Chief Isadore Day, elders Gilbert Smith and Fred Kelly. Community Jingle Dress dancers and youth came out to honour all degree recipients, including indigenous people from New Zealand, Australia, Norway and California who also received various degrees and accreditation.

Of the honor, Shelley says “I have waited a long time to participate in this ceremony to receive this Masters of Indigenous Philosophy and it was such an awesome and humbling experience to be acknowledged by our youth and the elders. Indigenous Philosophy or Aanda Wiinjigewin incorporates all levels of indigenous knowledge, not just academic study in higher education.”

Shelley continues to provide excellent guidance and education on Aboriginal issues to the college, and leadership to our Aboriginal students in culturally appropriate initiatives and opportunities to support their success.

Please join me in congratulating Shelley on this attainment.

Jason Hunter
Vice President, Student and Community Engagement

*Seven Generations is an aboriginal education institute located in the Treaty 3 Region of northern Ontario and includes members from: Big Island, Big Grassy, Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Onigaming, Rainey River, Seine River, Nicickousemenecaning, Mitaanjigaming and Naicatchewenin First Nations. Their degree programs have universal endorsement from the WINU and WINHEC Indigenous Education Institutes