Brandon University is honoured to welcome a high-level delegation from Brazil's Ministry of Indigenous Peoples next week, led by Vice-Minister Dr. Eloy Terena - himself a former BU student.
On September 25, Dr. Terena is one of Brazil's foremost Indigenous leaders. He recently received his country's highest honour, the Order of Rio Branco, for his role in helping establish Brazil's first-ever Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. His Brandon connection includes time here as a participant of the Emerging Leader of Americas Program through Global Affairs nominated through the Office of International Activities, and he conducted part of his doctoral research through Brandon University in 2019, supervised by Dr. Wilder Robles in the Department of Rural Development.
During this return visit to Brandon University, both sides will also explore possibilities for future collaboration in rural development research, student exchanges, and Indigenous-focused initiatives. Future partnerships could include joint research projects and opportunities for Brazilian Indigenous students to study at BU.
"Welcoming Dr. Terena back to Brandon University is a point of great pride," said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies. "His work on the international stage demonstrates the far-reaching impact of our students and alumni, and this visit provides opportunities for us to strengthen global connections in research and education."
The delegation's visit will take place September 28-30 and will feature a campus welcome, public events, and community gatherings. On Monday, September 29, Dr. Terena will deliver a public lecture, Exploring Brazilian and Canadian Research Partnerships for the Betterment of Indigenous Peoples,' at 3:30 p.m. in the Library Gathering Space. That evening, the University will host a formal dinner with Indigenous, municipal, and provincial leaders.
"During his time here as a visiting doctoral student, Dr. Terena showed extraordinary leadership and vision," said Dr. Wilder Robles, Associate Professor of Rural Development. "It is inspiring to see how his career has advanced, and we are delighted to re-engage with him and his Ministry in ways that may lead to future collaboration."
The Brandon University Rural Development Institute (RDI) will be a focal point for discussions on shared priorities.
"Brazil and Canada face many similar challenges in supporting Indigenous and rural communities," said Dr. Wayne Kelly, Director of RDI. "This visit is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and explore research partnerships that can make a real difference in people's lives."
For Brandon University, the visit also highlights the strength of international student pathways.
Dr. Terena's journey shows the value of programs like ELAP that bring global students to BU," said Dave Rowland, Director of International Activities. "We are proud to have been part of his academic story, and we look forward to welcoming future students from Brazil and beyond."
This fall, Rowland notes, Brandon University currently has two students from Brazil who are conducting research and studying as part of the ELAP program overseen by the Office of International Activities.
The Brazilian delegation will also attend some of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events at the Brandon Riverbank on Tuesday, September 30, before continuing on to Ottawa for meetings with federal leaders.
