About 200 community members, students, staff and faculty gathered this week to welcome renowned Indigenous advocate Beverly Jacobs and celebrate her appointment as McMaster's first vice-provost, Indigenous.
Beverly Jacobs, McMaster's first vice-provost, International, speaks of her experience as a Haudenosaunee woman studying law: I knew I wanted to represent my people, be someone with a voice to say things that a lot of people were afraid to say.' (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
Jacobs, a member of the Order of Canada, has been recognized nationally and internationally for her scholarship, advocacy and leadership.
She worked with the Mohawk Institute Survivors' Secretariat as its Indigenous Human Rights Monitor in the investigation of the disappeared children. She also served as president of the Native Women's Association of Canada, where she responded to Canada's residential school apology and was instrumental in advocating for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.
In moving remarks, Jacobs spoke of growing up as a survivor of violence, with her mother's side of the family carrying deep scars from the trauma of residential schools. When she told her high school guidance counsellor she wanted to go to law school, he told her, "You're not smart enough."
But she did go to law school, and it changed her life. "It's where I found my voice, where I started my healing."
And as she learned about Haudenosaunee law, "I realized our laws are so powerful," she said. "Our people are so powerful."
"I knew I wanted to represent my people, be someone with a voice to say things that a lot of people were afraid to say."
One of the most important parts of her job, Jacobs said, is to ensure that Indigenous students feel safe at university.
"We have an opportunity as Indigenous leaders in this institution to protect them through this process, because it is difficult. That's what we need to change within the institution. It shouldn't be difficult. I should be able to be who I am in this institution with no fear."
"It is an honour to be here," Jacobs said. "I know it is going to be a lot of work."
"Dr. Jacobs, we hope that you will develop a powerful sense of belonging on our campus and feel supported by your peers, both Indigenous and non-indigenous," Provost Maureen MacDonald said. "You have my support and I know you have President Tighe's support as well." (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
"The creation of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous, role is not symbolic. It is structural," said Provost Maureen MacDonald, who hosted the event.
"It reflects an understanding that reconciliation, Indigenization and decolonization are not initiatives we add on to the margins of university life: They help shape how we teach our students, both inside and outside of the classroom."
"Establishing this role ensures Indigenous perspectives are present at the tables where leadership decisions are made, consistently and with authority."
Speakers at the event spoke eloquently of Jacobs' long experience, leadership and lifelong contributions to uplifting Indigenous communities and causes, and her tireless work for justice.
They included McMaster Professor Bonnie Freeman, graduate student Jill Rogers, undergraduate student and drummer Tekenikhon Doreen, Greg Frazer from the Six Nations Band Council, Mohawk Chief Allen McNaughton from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Patti Barber from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Cody Looking Horse, who sang an honour song.
"I have an institutional family now. And I have my family from the community. And to see all of you together in one space is just it is overwhelming. Thank all of you for being that support."
