![\"A](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Robyn-and-Vince-700x1050.jpg\")
Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois and Brock\u2019s Spirit Bear, Entiohahath\u00e9\u2019te, stood for a photo with Brock graduate Vince Pacilli (BA ’21).<\/p><\/div>\n
Entiohahath\u00e9\u2019te \u00a0\u2014 a Kanien\u2019keha (Mohawk) name that means \u201cthe path will be bright,\u201d \u2014 can be seen seated on the lap of Brock\u2019s Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois during each ceremony this week. The Spirit Bear is part of the Reconciliation Ambearrister program, an initiative and resource created by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to address inequalities of Indigenous children, youth and families.<\/p>\n
Bourgeois said the bear\u2019s presence at events like Convocation is a symbolic and encouraging reminder of further efforts of decolonization and reconciliation at the University and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a reminder of our commitment to do better for Indigenous Peoples at our University and in the wider community,\u201d she said. \u201cWe hope that graduates will reflect on the meaning of Entiohahath\u00e9\u2019te\u2019s name, and courageously go forward to make a difference in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock\u2019s Spirit Bear project began with an invitation from\u00a0Cindy Blackstock, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society\u2019s\u00a0Executive Director and a renowned activist for Indigenous children\u2019s rights, during a 2020\u00a0colloquium hosted by Child and Youth\u00a0Studies graduate students<\/a>. Since that time, Entiohahath\u00e9\u2019te was formally named as part of Brock’s first-ever Indigenous Research Grant<\/a> project, and also received women\u2019s and men\u2019s sets of traditional regalia<\/a>, which the bear will alternate wearing each day throughout Convocation.<\/p>\n