VIU Honours Roberta Jamieson

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

May 22, 2012

Vancouver Island University is honouring one of Canada's most respected First Nations women - Roberta Jamieson.

On June 5th at spring convocation, she will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her work promoting First Nations rights.

"Roberta Louise Jamieson, a Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River, is one of the most respected voices for Canada's Aboriginal people. When she earned her law degree from the University of Western Ontario, she was the first Aboriginal woman in Canada to accomplish that feat. Ms. Jamieson has been at the forefront in many fields. She is the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Six Nations and the first woman to be appointed Ombudsman of Ontario, a position she held for a decade. In 1982, she became the first non-Parliamentarian to be appointed an ex officio member of a House of Commons Committee, a task force on Aboriginal self-government. She was head of the Indian Commission of Ontario and has been a leader and skilled mediator with more than 25 years experience in conflict resolution, involving all levels of government. She is a member of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Indigenous Peoples' Council Award from the Indigenous Bar Association. She is currently President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation."