Orange Shirt Society Founder returns to Niagara to connect with NC Indigenous students
On March 26, Niagara College Indigenous students were recognized and celebrated for their remarkable achievements at the College's second annual Indigenous Student Awards Banquet.
Hosted by the College's Indigenous Education department, the awards banquet took place at Club Roma and highlighted the dedication and commitment of NC's Indigenous learners as they work to overcome barriers in the pursuit of education.
"We are unbelievably proud of everything our Indigenous students have accomplished," said Leah Hogan, Director, Indigenous Education. "For Indigenous learners, the path to higher education is not always an easy one. By recognizing and celebrating these students, we are acknowledging the work they have done through their commitment to exploring their identity, building community, and celebrating their journey here at Niagara College."
NC President Sean Kennedy attended the event, along with other members from the College's Executive Team, including Vice President, Students, Dr. Chris McGrath, to honour the students and to thank their supporters.
President Kennedy provided a warm NC welcome to attendees and Dr. McGrath acknowledged the work that the College is doing to advance Truth and Reconciliation.
"Niagara College is committed to advancing Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing which is reflected in the work that is being driven by the College's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint," said McGrath. "While we are making strides in the right direction, there is still more to do and that is why it is important for us to take the time to recognize and acknowledge the dedication and determination of our Indigenous students as they overcome barriers to advance their education."
In total, 22 students received awards, including four recipients of the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship. The students each received $1,000 during the 2024-2025 academic year to help alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with a postsecondary education.
Dr. Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society and a third-generation residential school survivor, travelled from Williams Lake, B.C. to attend the banquet and to meet the recipients. She also shared pieces of her story at the event and spoke passionately about how Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters and Truth and Reconciliation are linked and the harm residential schools inflicted.
"The students that went to these residential schools are adults and elders now, but they were children, and they matter. The children that never came home matter, and the students here this evening matter," said Dr. Webstad. "To the students in the room this evening, keep speaking your truth and telling your stories. We can't wait to see what you accomplish."
The College's Advancement team continues to welcome donations for this scholarship fund. The goal is to grow the fund to eventually support every Indigenous student who attends NC.
The remaining 18 students, who received other financial awards to support the cost of their education, were also recognized for their resilience and commitment to education.
Along with employees, students and their families, many community partners joined the celebration, including members from NC's Indigenous Education Management Circle (IEMC). The evening was made possible through funding from the Embark Student Foundation.
Last year, NC received a transformative grant of $500,000 from the Embark Student Foundation to support the educational experience for Indigenous Students at the College. These funds helped launch the new Indigenous Students Success Pathways project which supports students from their first day of studies through to graduation and into their careers.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada's top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
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