U of L to honour advocate for rights of First Nations children

A nationally recognized advocate for the rights of First Nations children is being honoured by the University of Lethbridge.

Cindy Blackstock, a professor of social work at McGill University, will be presented an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during Spring Convocation ceremonies on May 31. “The work of Dr. Blackstock has brought issues of injustice and racial discrimination in Canada to the forefront and we are honoured to highlight her significant contributions to Canadian society,” says Charles Weaselhead, U of L chancellor. “We are humbled that she has chosen to accept our offer of an honorary degree and look forward to her address at Convocation.”

Born in Burns Lake, B.C., Blackstock is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation. Determined to live within her cultural values of integrity, service and courage, she has used her extensive educational background to address the issues facing Indigenous communities, especially as they relate to child rights and social matters.

University officials point out Blackstock has made significant contributions to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in its work to develop and adopt a “General Comment on the Rights of Indigenous Children.”

Her promotion of culturally based, evidence-informed solutions has been recognized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Frontline Defenders and more.

The author of more than 50 publications, Blackstock has won many awards for her work and she has become a sought-after speaker. She will be featured speaker during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium, open to all interested.

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