We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Cheryl Simmons First Recipient of Excellence in Service Award

December 1, 2020

At the November 24 virtual Graduate Studies Committee meeting, Cheryl Simmons, Graduate Program Assistant for the faculties of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH) and Education (FED), received the inaugural Excellence in Service Award established by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The award recognizes Ontario Tech University staff members who have displayed professional excellence in graduate education. Selection criteria includes support and guidance of graduate students that exceed expectations.

“Cheryl’s knowledge of the programs and attention to detail is extremely helpful; she responds to the director, faculty and student questions in speed and accuracy. We have almost 200 students in the Master of Education program alone, so numerous questions are asked regularly. Many students have commented on how quickly, carefully and thoughtfully she answers their questions,” says Dr. Robin Kay, Dean of Ontario Tech's Faculty of Education, who nominated Simmons for the award.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen for this award, and I am grateful to work with such an amazing team,” says Simmons.

See the full list of award recipients and nominees.