The University of New Brunswick (UNB) will mark a historic first at its 2025 spring convocation and graduation ceremonies this week with the introduction of two ceremonial stoles honouring, celebrating and recognizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and African and African diasporic graduands.
The stoles created by artists deeply rooted in the communities they represent will be worn proudly by students graduating at UNB's Fredericton and Saint John campuses. These visual symbols of cultural identity, achievement and belonging reflect a growing commitment at UNB to reconciliation, representation and inclusion.
For the first time at UNB, Indigenous and African graduands have the option to wear specially designed stoles that honour their heritage, stories and academic achievements.
One of the stoles, designed by UNB alumni and husband and wife duo, Natasha Martin-Mitchell (C-LS'16, BIS'16, MEd'18) and Brandan Mitchell (C-LS'16, BIS'16, MEd'18), recognizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis graduands. The other, designed by Norélice Mboutou, UNB's 2024/2025 media artist-in-residence in the department of media arts and cultures, honours African and African diasporic graduands.
For Martin-Mitchell and Mitchell, the stole represents years of grassroots work to increase visibility and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis students and traditions at UNB.
The couple both accomplished leaders, artists and community advocates were instrumental in organizing UNB's first powwow and launching the university's Red Shawl Campaign, which raises awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
When Martin-Mitchell graduated from UNB in 2018 with her master's degree in education, she proudly represented her community by wearing traditional Mi'kmaw regalia.
Now, the design she and her husband of 24 years has created offers other Indigenous graduands the opportunity to honour their identities and communities in a similarly powerful way.
For Mitchell, a graphic designer, it was important the stoles represented the Indigenous peoples in this territory. The design is a reflection of both Mi'gmaq and Wolastoquey territory that make up the Wabanaki Confederacy.
The couple purposefully avoided the inclusion of typical pan-Indigenous iconography like feathers and animals in their designs and instead celebrated the vibrant traditional designs found in their culture.
The stole's double curve motifs represent fiddleheads, harvest and abundance. The couple also drew inspiration from a 19th century Mi'kmaq ceremonial coat lapel.
"Our designs are a reflection of who we are. It brings back and honours our past," Mitchell said.
Similarly, Mboutou, a multidisciplinary artist, looked for common threads visual languages and symbols shared by cultures across the continent throughout the African and African diasporic stole design process.
She drew inspiration from African masks and Afrocentric patterns, like Imigongo, a pattern rooted in resilience, healing and reclamation of Black and Afrocentric identity.
"African masks embody identity, transformation and a connection to our roots," Mboutou said.
Guided by her desire to create "something meaningful, respectful and empowering, I kept asking myself: how can this stole reflect pride, identity and unity for Black students at UNB?"
"In the end, the process was both deeply personal and collective shaped by my background, my community and the stories we carry," said Mboutou.
"For many Black and African-descended students, the academic path can come with unique challenges. Wearing a stole designed specifically with their cultural identity in mind can validate their experience and celebrate their achievements on their own terms.
"When a student wears this stole, it's not just decorative it's a statement. It says, I am proud of where I come from, and I belong here."
Both stoles were developed in close consultation with UNB's Indigenous and Black communities, with support from Nadia Richards, associate vice president of human rights & equity at UNB; Todd Ross, interim Piluwitahasuwin and associate vice president, Indigenous engagement; and the UNB Council of Elders.
The process of creating, blessing and introducing the stoles was guided by community voices, lived experience and a shared commitment to celebrating cultural identity.
"I hope the wider university community sees the stole as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion not just as a policy, but as a practice," said Mboutou.
"Representation matters, and cultural visibility fosters a sense of belonging. When students see their heritage reflected in academic traditions, it affirms their place in that space."
Mboutou also expressed hope that the stoles spark curiosity and dialogue, "about the richness of African cultures, the diversity within the Black experience and the ways institutions can continue to support equity and celebration of all communities.
"This stole is not just about decoration," she said. "It's about honour, history and presence.
Graduating students who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis, or from the African diaspora, were invited to request a stole and are encouraged to wear it as part of their regalia during convocation ceremonies.
Blessing and celebratory ceremonies in honour of both stoles were held in Saint John and Fredericton this week and earlier this month.
"This is a moment of pride and celebration, and a reflection of UNB's ongoing work to embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the very fabric of our university," said UNB's president and vice chancellor, Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle.
"We will continue working toward building a university where all students feel valued, empowered and honoured."
From May 28-30, 2025, UNB will honour students and distinguished faculty at its 2025 Encaenia and Spring Convocation Ceremonies.
