Douglas Cardinal, U of T honorary degree recipient, June 15, 2022

TL;DR

Canadian environmentalist expresses gratitude for being honored by the University of Toronto and acknowledges the importance of teamwork, support, and the teachings of his Elders in his accomplishments.

Transcript

Thank you so much. This, for me, is  indeed an honour. Comes from the heart.   [Taps chest near his heart] I so appreciate this honour,  and it's so important to me   to be in this hall with you and  share this very wonderful experience.   I will just remove my mask so I can talk better.   It's been a long journey and I want  to ... I'm in a profes... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥹 The speaker's gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him by the University of Toronto is sincere and heartfelt.
• 🖐️ Teamwork and the support of others played a significant role in the speaker's achievements in the environmental field.
• 👪 The teachings of the speaker's Elders and the values instilled by his parents have guided him in his commitment to living in harmony with the land.
• 😑 The speaker recognizes the importance of the University of Toronto's efforts in addressing the pressing environmental issues of today.
• 💦 The dedication and work of the university's faculty and students in tackling these issues are highly regarded by the speaker.
• 🧑 The speaker's appreciation extends to his long-time partner, who is also an Indigenous person, for their support and partnership.
• 🎓 The speaker recognizes the legacy of communicating the values of First Nations with the university.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does the speaker consider to be the key factor behind his success?

The speaker attributes his success to the amazing people around him who have dedicated their lives to improving the environment and fostering better relationships with First Nations.

Q: Whom does the speaker acknowledge as the source of his wisdom and teachings on living in harmony with the land?

The speaker expresses gratitude to his Elders, who have taught him how to live in harmony with the land and each other, and appreciates their help and wisdom.

Q: How has the speaker's upbringing influenced his dedication to environmental protection?

The speaker's father, a game warden and forest ranger, and his mother, a nurse devoted to serving people, instilled in him a deep commitment to protecting the environment and serving others.

Q: What does the speaker appreciate about the University of Toronto and its students?

The speaker praises the University of Toronto and its students for their dedication to addressing the challenges of the environment and fostering better understanding and communication with First Nations peoples.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker expresses his deep appreciation for being honored by the University of Toronto and being able to share the experience with the audience.

• He acknowledges the crucial role of teamwork in his profession and credits the support and dedication of the people around him, particularly in improving the environment and relationships with First Nations.

• The speaker also pays tribute to his Elders, parents, and partner for their wisdom, support, and influence in shaping his values and achievements.