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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.

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UOIT Communication student recognized for academic and athletic achievements

May 1, 2013

OUA Woman of Influence award recipient Vanessa Johnstone at UOIT Ridgebacks women's hockey game outdoors at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario in January 2012.
OUA Woman of Influence award recipient Vanessa Johnstone at UOIT Ridgebacks women's hockey game outdoors at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario in January 2012.

UOIT Ridgebacks hockey and tennis player Vanessa Johnstone has been named an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Woman of Influence in honour of her success in her field of study (Communication) and sports of choice.

“It’s such an honour to be recognized by the OUA,” said Johnstone. “Through their recognition, students are encouraged to succeed in sport and in life and be an outstanding member of their university and community.”

During her five years at UOIT, Johnstone has worked hard in order to balance both school and sports, as well as volunteer in her community. Originally from Niagara Falls, Ontario, she was UOIT’s first two-sport athlete as a member of the women’s hockey team and the tennis program. In 2012, Johnstone was named the Ridgebacks women’s hockey leadership award winner and also played in this year’s OUA tennis championship. When she wasn’t scoring goals on the ice, she also spent time attending junior girls’ hockey practices to help them improve their skills.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Johnstone has excelled in her studies. This year she was a marketing plan designer for a UOIT Capstone project in support of UOIT’s Diversity in Leadership program. She also finished her last semester in her program with the highest grade point average on her team.

The 2013 honours degree graduate plans to enter teacher’s college in the fall.

Previous UOIT recipients of the OUA Woman of Influence award include: Christie Attwood (rowing), Shannon Galea (rowing and squash), Rikki Palmateer (hockey), Chrissy Tereshyn (hockey) and Jessica Bosse (rowing).

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