Brandon’s Verna DeMontigny will be recognized for her lifelong dedication to preserving and advancing Métis language and culture at this week’s Brandon University (BU) Convocation.
DeMontigny will be presented with an honorary degree during the Friday afternoon ceremony at BU’s Healthy Living Centre.
DeMontigny grew up in the Métis community of Li Kwaen, near Binscarth. A fluent speaker of Michif since childhood, DeMontigny has continued to share the language through education and outreach programs. She has been a Michif instructor and has been instrumental in the creation of teaching materials.
DeMontigny has been a Visiting Elder and Knowledge keeper in 28 schools throughout southwestern Manitoba and at the Brandon Correctional Institute, as well as serving as Kokum (Grandmother) for the Brandon Friendship Centre’s Early Enrichment program, leading cultural and language activities. She co-founded the Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Revitalization Circle, working with the group on digitizing the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Cree Dictionary. She has been a consultant for the Indigenous Languages Act and has contributed to academic research as well as art and media projects. DeMontigny also leads moccasin- and mitt-making workshops.
“Verna DeMontigny is a great friend to our Brandon University community, and has been an extraordinary contributor to our knowledge of Métis language and tradition in our region,” said Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen, President and Vice-Chancellor of BU. “Verna’s teachings will continue to be impactful for generations to come, and I am delighted that we will be able to welcome her to Convocation to thank her for her leadership and service.”
A total of 530 Brandon University graduates will receive their degrees during four ceremonies over the course of two days at Spring Convocation. Ceremonies at the Healthy Living Centre will take place on Thursday, May 28 at 10 a.m. (Science and Music) and 2 p.m. (Education), and on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. (Health Studies) and 2 p.m. (Arts).
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
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