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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

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.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Local unions donate $200,000 to support UOIT growth

Gifts will ensure critical infrastructure is in place

October 1, 2009

UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, second from left, and Garth Cochrane, business manager for the United Association Local 463 Plumbers, Steamfitters, Welders and Apprentices unveil a new plaque commemorating the local's $100,000 donation to UOIT. Helping to celebrate were Clive Waugh, executive director of the UOIT Advancement department, at left, and Dr. John Easton, associate dean of the UOIT Faculty of Science.
UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, second from left, and Garth Cochrane, business manager for the United Association Local 463 Plumbers, Steamfitters, Welders and Apprentices unveil a new plaque commemorating the local's $100,000 donation to UOIT. Helping to celebrate were Clive Waugh, executive director of the UOIT Advancement department, at left, and Dr. John Easton, associate dean of the UOIT Faculty of Science.
OSHAWA, ON. - The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 894 and United Association Local 463 Plumbers, Steamfitters, Welders and Apprentices (UA Local 463) announced today that they are each making a $100,000 donation to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), significant gifts by both given the current economic climate.

Representatives from both unions were welcomed to campus today by UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa and announced the gifts will be used to assist the university with capital improvements and to help maintain and improve current infrastructure, ensuring the university can continue to meet the capital needs that come with its significant growth.

"On behalf of UOIT, I would like to express my warmest thanks to all of the members at IBEW Local 894 and UA Local 463 for making this generous commitment to UOIT," said Dr. Bordessa. "UOIT is rapidly growing because of our reputation for offering an innovative educational experience and these gifts help us meet the critical infrastructure needs that come with that growth. That, in turn, ensures we can continue to provide the best possible learning environment for our students."

To commemorate the gifts and provide a constant reminder to students about the locals' contribution to an outstanding educational environment, Dr. Bordessa announced that plaques will be placed in their honour outside two classrooms in the university's Science building.

"We are very excited about making this donation as we know it will support UOIT in its continued growth," said John Gillett, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 894. "Our members understand that the continued growth of UOIT is vital for students, our economy and ultimately a stronger and healthier community for us all."

With Dr. John Easton, associate dean of the UOIT Faculty of Science looking on, UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, left, and John Gillett, business manager and financial secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 894, unveil a new plaque commemorating the local's $100,000 donation to UOIT.Both Gillette and Garth Cochrane, business manager for UA Local 463, expressed pride in the fact that their members had enthusiastically backed the gifts to support UOIT and its students.

"This is a great example of how local unions can invest in the prosperity and development of our community," said Cochrane. "Despite these difficult economic times, I am proud to say that our members continue to make donations to help improve our entire community."

Ongoing partnerships with community-minded groups such as the IBEW Local 894 and UA Local 463 help ensure UOIT can continue to provide students with access to its award-winning campus, hands-on research opportunities, state-of-the-art learning facilities and world-class professors, all of which are designed to help them open the doors to challenging and rewarding careers.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
905.809.4763
tony.doyle@uoit.ca

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