To the MSVU community,
I am excited to share that Cathy Martin, CM, has joined the university in the capacity of Elder and Indigenous Relations Consultant. Cathy began in the role on September 1 for a one-year term. During this time, Cathy will provide strategic advice on MSVU’s Indigenous initiatives and programming, and assist in developing a long-term vision for MSVU’s Indigenous strategy.
Cathy will be a familiar face to many members of our community as a former Nancy’s Chair and current member of both the L’Nu Advisory Circle and the Kinu Tourism Project Mi’kma’ki Advisory Committee. She is a member of the Millbrook First Nation, Truro, NS. Cathy brings a diverse and accomplished professional background to this role, including work as an independent international award-winning film producer and director, a writer, facilitator, communications consultant, community activist, teacher, and drummer. Most recently, she was Director of Indigenous Community Engagement at Dalhousie University. Cathy was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2017.
You can reach Cathy by email at catherine.martin2@msvu.ca.
Please join me in welcoming Cathy to her new role at MSVU.
Status of the Wikuom on campus
In 2017, MSVU became the first university in Canada to install a Wikuom on campus. Since then, it has housed many special gatherings and learning opportunities. It has also moved from its original location beside the former Meadows building to the green space opposite Evaristus Hall, near the intersection of College and Seton Roads.
In the nearly 10 years that we’ve had the Wikuom on campus it has weathered many storms – quite literally – and is now in need of refurbishment and/or replacement. The university has begun the replacement process in consultation with Cathy. Cathy was the Nancy’s Chair in Women’s Studies at MSVU when she led the effort to have a Wikuom added to campus facilities, a capstone project of her term in the role.
This year, because of its condition, we will remove the Wikuom for winter a little earlier than in previous years. Early indications suggest that it could take up to a year to receive a replacement. We are also exploring the possibility of installing a temporary Wikuom for short periods this fall and/or next spring.
Stay tuned for updates.
Chris
Chris Hattie (he/him)
Associate Vice-President, People & Culture
Mount Saint Vincent University