Verna Kirkness (centre) with but a few of the friends, associates, and admirers who attended her appreciation luncheon on June 20th at the First Nations Longhouse. Photo: Martin Dee/UBC
A gathering for Dr. Verna Kirkness to honour her career and legacy, and to say ‘thank you’ for her lifelong work. Photo: Martin Dee/UBC
On the eve of National Day of Indigenous Peoples, about 100 friends, associates, and admirers of Cree scholar and lifelong educator, Dr. Verna Kirkness, CM OM, came together from across UBC Vancouver and beyond to celebrate her career and legacy, and to say ‘thank you’ before she returns to Manitoba in July.
The First Nations House of Learning, led by Acting Director, Joely Viveiros, in partnership with Indigenous Education, led by Director, Jessica Knott, organized a luncheon at the Longhouse for Verna, also known as Ni-Jing-Jada, the “Longhouse Lady.” The event included performances from Dancing Spirit, a Cree dance group, and Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack), a Coast Salish dance group, and a line-up of guest speakers and an open mic.
(L-R) DeDe DeRose, Chancellor, Thompson Rivers University, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia, Dr. Verna Kirkness, CM OM. Photo: Martin Dee/UBC
Everyone who took the mic, which included former FNHL directors, Dr. Richard Vedan and Dr. Jo-ann Archibald, as well as DeDe DeRose, Chancellor, Thompson Rivers University, Dr. Jan Hare, Dean of Education, Joely Viveiros, and UBC President, Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, among others, spoke appreciatively of Verna’s impressive contributions to Indigenous education across the country and on campus.
In particular, they highlighted her early leadership of the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) and the First Nations House of Learning, and the creation of the Ts”Kel graduate program, and, of course, the development and opening of the First Nations Longhouse in 1993.
Her kindness, passion, determination, and generosity of spirit were equally noted.
Other achievements mentioned included her pivotal role in the creation of the National Indian Brotherhood’s 1972 landmark policy paper, Indian Control of Indian Education, which laid the groundwork for First Nations to take greater control of their children’s education, and leading the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program, which seeks to increase the number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students graduating from university-based science and engineering programs across Canada.
Verna Kirkness blanketed at her appreciation luncheon. Photo: Martin Dee/UBC
The event opened with Verna doing something she had never done before: walking through the ceremonial door into Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall. It closed with her being draped with a star-blanket made by Cree-Métis artist, Gabriella Lee, followed by a few words from Verna herself, who shared her appreciation for everyone attending, the performances, the warm words spoken in her honour, and that it was an event she would always fondly remember.
During the closing reception, picture taking and parting wishes were exchanged between Verna and guests.
In all, the event achieved its aim of surrounding Verna with positivity, love, and joy, and to thank her for her lifelong work.