UNB's first Indigenous valedictorian calls on people to 'address social inequities'
The University of New Brunswick held their graduation ceremonies over the weekend and celebrated an historic first: Peyton Juhnke was the first Indigenous valedictorian for the university.
Juhnke, who says she was excited to blaze the trail for future Indigenous students, spoke to her fellow graduates via a broadcasted ceremony.
"It is no secret that the last year and a half of our degrees was not easy," Juhnke said.
She shared an important message during her valedictory speech.
"During this time we have seen profound change happen as people took to the streets to stand with those facing racism and discrimination," Juhnke said.
She was excited to learn that she broke a barrier for Indigenous peoples at the university, and expressed her gratitude for her ancestors who made it possible.
"To me it meant that Indigenous voices have been silenced for too long and I hope that it means that more indigenous students are able to take on these roles moving forward," Juhnke said.
To commemorate the milestone for the university, Amanda Myran, the assistant vice-president of Indigenous engagement even sewed the moccasins Juhnke wore.
"Years of oppression ... was an attempt to assimilate people in Canadian society, but it didn't work and you see an Indigenous student standing there powerful and empowered in her regalia and really carrying on the legacy of her ancestors," says Myran, whose title in Wolastoqey is Piluwitahasuwin, which means "one who promotes change in a good way toward truth."
For Juhnke, who graduated with a degree in philosophy, her address was a chance to speak about social injustices.
"I'm hoping that it creates impact long-term," Juhnke said. "I think my speech was more geared toward non-Indigenous, non-Black, non-people-of-colour, and how they can take up this work of addressing social inequities in their own lives."
Juhnke is planning to begin a master's in the fall, and hopes to pursue her PhD.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.