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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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Dr. Bonnie Schmidt appointed to the Order of Canada

UOIT Board of Governors member receives one of Canada’s highest civilian honours

July 2, 2015

Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, member of the UOIT Board of Governors, received the Order of Canada on July 1, 2015.
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, member of the UOIT Board of Governors, received the Order of Canada on July 1, 2015.

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, a member of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Board of Governors, has been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Schmidt’s appointment was announced on Canada Day by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

A member of the UOIT Board of Governors since January 2013, Dr. Schmidt is Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science, an award-winning charitable organization she started while completing a PhD in Physiology at Western University in London, Ontario.

Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and become productive citizens and innovators by supporting their learning and engagement through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Under Dr. Schmidt’s guidance, Let’s Talk Science has grown into a leading national organization, reaching over three million Canadians.

“We often think of literacy solely in terms of reading and writing. Dr. Schmidt has shown that fostering science literacy is also crucially important for primary and secondary school students across Canada,” said Tim McTiernan, PhD, UOIT President and Vice-Chancellor. “Our entire university community congratulates Bonnie on joining the company of other outstanding Canadians.”

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Dr. Schmidt will accept her Order of Canada insignia and lapel pin at a Rideau Hall ceremony later this year.

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Media contact

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668, ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

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