"Kinanâskomitino'wo'w."
Brock University Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois expressed this Cree word, which means "I'm grateful to you," to the four inaugural winners of the Champions for Change service award during an event at Pond Inlet on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Presented by the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the award recognizes Brock faculty and staff who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation across the University.
"I'm honoured that my Office is releasing this first-of-its-kind service award to recognize colleagues, Indigenous and non-, who have walked their talk by making significant commitments to decolonization," Bourgeois said. "These recipients, who come from units across the University, exemplify exactly what a Champion for Change is."
The award was inspired by a former employee seeking to prioritize Indigenous engagement in Brock's procurement activities.
"It was a profound moment of realization that decolonization can and does happen everywhere," Bourgeois said.
Jennifer Thiessen, Acting Associate University Librarian, was recognized for her commitment to advancing initiatives at the Brock University Library.
An example of this was her role in a project honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) by wrapping library books in fabric with the names of those lost written on them in gold.
"I was grateful she felt that remembering our stolen sisters was that significant," said Bourgeois. "These gestures, with incredible depth and meaning, have contributed not just to decolonizing the space of the Library, but the Institution beyond."
Stevey Hildebrand, Manager, Talent Acquisition and People Development, was recognized for her work in the Office of People and Culture (OPC) to implement processes, policies and initiatives that promote fairness and equity.
Bourgeois highlighted the role that Hildebrand, Anishinaabe and a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, played in actualizing the Leadership with Indigenous Values component of OPC's Emerging Leaders and Leading at Brock programs.
"This work has opened an incredible door for us," Bourgeois said. "Stevey's commitment to ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing and being are incorporated in the Office of People and Culture has been impeccable."
Jeremy Leipert, Project Coordinator, Digital Humanities, was recognized for his commitment to expanding representation and providing learning and networking opportunities for Indigenous students in computer programming and gaming. In workshops connecting Brock and local high school students with professional video game developers, for example, participants learned the skills needed to create a game and to contribute to a more inclusive games industry overall.
"Jeremy has played a critical role in opening the door for Indigenous students," Bourgeois said. "There is a tremendous future for Indigenous people in gaming and technology, and Jeremy is the reason that's happening at Brock."
Brock graduate and First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Events Coordinator Evelyn Dilworth (BA '24, BEd '24) received the award for her role in developing Brock's landmark Indigenous Plus program.
Dilworth, who is of Mohawk and Irish descent and connected to Tyendinaga and Six Nations, has also contributed to a range of supports and programming for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
"She is the living manifestation of all of our ancestors' wildest dreams come true," said Bourgeois. "I watched this young woman, who I had known as a student, become this incredible leader driving change at the University and I am so proud."
Champions for Change will become an annual service award. More information on how to nominate a Brock employee for the award in the future is forthcoming.
