George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon has been honoured by the Celebration of Nations, a Niagara-region festival that celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, and tradition.
Celebration of Nations describes itself as a “long-term vision of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Kakekalanicks, Landscape of Nations 360º and the City of St. Catharines to build on the Two Row Wampum that promotes all Nations walking together.”
The Royal Proclamation (1763) and Treaty of Niagara (1764) are foundational legal documents for First Nations and the Crown. Indigenous legal scholar John Burrows states, “These Aboriginal rights survived to form and sustain the foundations of the First Nations/Crown relationship, and to inform Canada's subsequent treaty-making history.”
Celebration of Nations honoured Fearon for his “strong commitment to Indigenous peoples” and the organization said it recognized him “not only for his intelligence, but also his commitment and dedication to ethics and shared values, to high standards of conduct and faithful partnership.”
“It is our immense honour to acknowledge and celebrate Dr. Gervan Fearon for his strong commitment to Indigenous peoples, and everything he’s done to create bridges of understanding and advance Truth and Reconciliation. He is recognized for his dedication to ethics and shared values and to high standards of conduct and faithful partnership,” said Michele-Elise Burnett, Artistic Director, Celebration of Nations.
Fearon accepted the 2021 Celebration of Nations, Outstanding Achievement, Two Row Alliance award at a virtual ceremony on Friday, September 10.
“The Two Row Wampum sets out a vision of Nations walking together, in parallel, with respect, compassion and understanding – I believe the Celebration of Nations embodies this theme and I am pleased that my work and efforts over the years have contributed to the possibilities and opportunities of others,” Fearon said in his acceptance speech at the fifth annual awards ceremony.
A true example of reconciliation efforts
Advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and working toward reconciliation has been a priority throughout Fearon’s career of leadership in post-secondary education, and that priority continues at George Brown College.
“As we celebrate our President and this award, I believe this honour can serve as an example of true reconciliation efforts and can also encourage that journey in our community,” said Audrey Rochette, George Brown College’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “This news can facilitate Two Row Alliance by sharing the intention and history of both the Royal Proclamation and the Treaty of Niagara. Those boats in the wampum belt symbolize ways of life, that move together with principles of respect, friendship, and peace. These are essential foundations to reconciliation and right relations.”
A continued focus on partnerships and reconciliation
George Brown College will mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, and we have launched a social media campaign #GBC4TRC in the weeks leading up to the day. George Brown is also hosting an Indigenous Knowledge Speaker Series that includes a virtual keynote address by Chief Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation on October 1, noon – 1 p.m.
While he was President at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, several initiatives were established in consultation with members of the Indigenous communities and the Aboriginal Education Council including the position of Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and an Indigenous research grant. The research grant was established by the Vice-President, Research, and Vice-Provost, Indigenous. Additionally, a $1 million Horizon Scholarship for students from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities was also created. Additionally, Fearon also served as a member of the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council when he was at Brandon University in Manitoba.
Fearon said, we all have a role to play in the principles of the Two Row Wampum and he looks forward to the shared efforts here at George Brown College.
