Innis College Spring 2023 Convocation

TL;DR

A celebration of Indigenous land acknowledgment, student achievements, and honoring an esteemed documentary filmmaker.

Transcript

Good morning and welcome. We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to hav... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🎓 University of Toronto acknowledges Indigenous land and celebrates student achievements at the graduation ceremony.
• 🎩 President Meric Gertler welcomes the graduating class to the U of T alumni community and emphasizes their contributions.
• 💦 Alanis Obomsawin is honored for her impactful documentary films, advocacy work, and dedication to social justice.

Questions & Answers

Q: What significant acknowledgments were made at the University of Toronto's graduation ceremony?

The ceremony began with an acknowledgment of the Indigenous land the university operates on, recognizing the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. Additionally, Alanis Obomsawin was honored for her influential documentary work.

Q: What message did President Meric Gertler deliver to the graduating class?

President Gertler commended the graduating students for their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. He welcomed them to the University of Toronto alumni community and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the university.

Q: How has Alanis Obomsawin made an impact through her documentary filmmaking career?

Alanis Obomsawin's documentary films have shed light on Indigenous issues, anti-colonial resistance, and Indigenous persistence. Her work has been celebrated for its courage, activism, and dedication to social justice and artistic excellence.

Q: What advice did Alanis Obomsawin give to the graduating class?

In her speech, Alanis Obomsawin encouraged the graduates to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams, emphasizing that anything is possible for Indigenous peoples. She congratulated them on their achievements and highlighted the future possibilities ahead.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The University of Toronto acknowledges Indigenous land, celebrates student achievements, and honors documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin.

• President Meric Gertler addresses the graduating class, emphasizing their accomplishments and welcoming them to the U of T alumni community.

• Alanis Obomsawin is recognized for her impactful documentary films and advocacy for Indigenous communities, followed by a heartfelt speech encouraging future possibilities.