BRANDON, MB – An historic moment will take place in Clark Hall on November 16 — the 125th anniversary of Louis Riel’s hanging — when a new centre designed specifically for Métis students officially opens.
Spearheaded by Dr. Lorraine Mayer and two of her students — Velvet Maud and Candice Carbonneau — this new meeting and studying space has been several years in the making. It will allow Brandon University students of Métis heritage to mingle as well share their culture with others.
The Métis Student Centre will be located in room 2-02 in Clark Hall. The furniture and computers were provided by the Manitoba Métis Federation’s Southwest Region office. The room is decorated by the Brandon Métis Women, with donations of cultural items from Dr. Mayer and the MMF’s Vice-President of the Southwest Region, Leah LaPlante.
“This is perhaps the first in the country,” said Dr. Mayer. “To have the university not just acknowledge our existence and the needs of the Métis people, but do something about it makes me so proud. I do thank Dr. Poff not only for honoring Dr. Visentin’s promise, but also for donating a star blanket to the centre.”
Since many Métis students only self-identify prior to their final year of studies, at which time they are eligible for funding, Dr. Mayer hopes that the new centre will encourage Métis students to come forward, meet with others of the same heritage, and enjoy the space.
The official opening will be held on November 16, but the doors will open to everyone on November 17, during regular business hours.
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For more information, please contact:
Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communication Officer
Brandon University
P: (204) 727-9762
communications@brandonu.ca
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