JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE
College Receives Silver Indigenous Education Excellence Award

From left to right: Peter Devlin (Board Chair, CICan), Teresa Berghello (Academic Dean, John Abbott College), Kim Tekakwitha Martin (Dean of Indigenous Education, John Abbott College), Stephen Laurin (Vice President, Affinity Group and One TD, TD Insurance), Pari Johnston (President and CEO, CICan).

John Abbott College is thrilled to announce that it has been named the recipient of the Silver Indigenous Education Excellence Award from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The award was given during the 2024 Awards of Excellence ceremony at CICan's Annual Connection Conference on April 30, in Calgary.

This award is recognition of all the hard work completed by so many staff, faculty, and administrators, to further Indigenous education over the course of more than two decades. It is also recognition to our community partners and cultural collaborators that help guide, reshape, and break down barriers to Indigenous education. I am so honoured to be able to participate in this process and work with such incredible people and I am excited for what we will achieve together over the next 20 years!

Kim Tekakwitha Martin, Dean of Indigenous Education, John Abbott College

This award represents and solidifies our commitment to Indigenous education and land-based initiatives, such as the First Peoples Garden & Microforest.

CICan's highly anticipated Awards of Excellence celebrate a select group of member institutions and individuals each year for their exceptional achievements within Canada's largest post-secondary network. These awards honour those who exceed expectations in key areas vital to Canada's social, cultural, and economic prosperity, including skill development, Indigenous reconciliation, research, equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

"CICan is thrilled by the remarkable calibre of nominations for this year's Awards of Excellence," says Pari Johnston, President and CEO. "With a laser focus on building a strong future for Canada and their communities, our members continue to raise the bar, showcasing their unwavering dedication to innovation, collaboration, and fostering purpose-driven change."

For more information on CICan's Awards of Excellence and a complete list of all the recipients, visit the CICan website.

Parts of this press release were extracted from the CICan press release with consent.