A renowned First Nations political leader and a veteran Sudbury politician were awarded honorary doctorates at Laurentian University’s fall convocation ceremonies in Sudbury on Nov. 1.
A former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine was awarded a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa). During his three terms as national chief, Fontaine facilitated negotiations in the settlement of the 150-year Indian residential school tragedy and became the first Indigenous leader to address the Organization of American States (OAS).
“Laurentian has a leadership role in strengthening and expanding indigenous education in Canada, through its commitment to Aboriginal students and faculty,” Fontaine said in a statement.
Jim Gordon, a former Sudbury mayor and former MPP for the Sudbury, was also awarded a Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa). Gordon was mayor of Sudbury from 1976 to 1981, and again from 1991 to 2003. He served as MPP for Sudbury from 1981 to 1987, and held the position of minister of government services in 1985.
“I am honoured by this recognition from Laurentian University, an institution that has enriched our community and enhanced its international profile,” Gordon said.
“Both of our honorary doctorate recipients have devoted their lives to public service, and both have built a lasting legacy in their respective communities,” said Dominic Giroux, Laurentian’s president and vice-chancellor.
Approximately 300 students received their degrees at Laurentian’s fall 2014 convocation. In its history, Laurentian has graduated more than 50,000 alumni.
