News Releases

March 29, 2017

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) has been honoured for its work to bring attention to murdered and missing Indigenous women. Gertrude Nicholas and Marlene Ward of Red Teepee Creations created seven wooden Feathers of Understanding which were presented to the College at a ceremony in Fredericton today.

“As a college, we have made an institutional commitment to increasing the successful participation of Aboriginal learners at NBCC,” said Suzanne Desrosiers, Vice-President Employee and Student Development. “Part of this commitment is increasing understanding and reciprocity among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members of our college community. “

NBCC has specifically worked to raise awareness of murdered and missing Indigenous women through:

• Annual Sisters in Spirit vigils at all Campuses;
• The establishment of the NBCC’s Aboriginal Bursary, and;
• The inclusion of content in relation to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Aboriginal awareness online learning materials for NBCC staff.

“We are deeply moved to receive these Feathers of Understanding,” said Desrosiers. “In particular, this speaks to the work of our Aboriginal Student Advisors at each Campus. It will be an honour to display these works of art at each of our NBCC locations.”

Photo: Aboriginal Students Advisors (ASAs) at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) present Feathers of Understanding which will be displayed at each campus and the college’s corporate office in recognition of NBCC’s commitment to raising awareness of murdered and missing Indigenous women. From left: Suzanne Desrosiers, Vice-President Employee and Student Development; Nancy Harn, ASA, Fredericton; Deantha Edmunds-Ramsay, ASA, Saint John; Charlie Nicholas, ASA, Woodstock; Marilyn Luscombe, President and CEO; Constance Sewell, ASA, Miramichi; Kate Agaki, ASA, St. Andrews; Joan Milliea, ASA, Moncton; Mary Ellen Kingston-Ritchie, Director of Student Development.

About the Artists

Red Teepee Creations is a unique company that offers handmade traditional arts & crafts. They concentrate on traditional Mi’Kmaq, Maliseet & Passamaquoddy design fashioned by partners Gertrude Nicholas and Marlene Ward. Each piece comes with a story of origin or meaning, which gives each customer more knowledge of native tradition, history and culture.

About NBCC

With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. NBCC offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.

For more information:

Heather Allaby
Community & Government Relations Advisor, NBCC
506.444.3320 | heather.allaby@nbcc.ca