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
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.