Media Release - December 15, 2005
Mohawk College Governor receives provincial award for improving educational opportunities for Aboriginal peopleHAMILTON, ON – A member of Mohawk College’s Board of Governors has received provincial recognition for championing educational opportunities for Aboriginal students.
Brenda Davis is the 2006 recipient of the William G. Davis Community Volunteer Award from the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario (ACAATO).
“As a Governor, educator, volunteer and community activist, Brenda has dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for Aboriginal people,” said Mohawk College President MaryLynn West-Moynes.
“Brenda’s personal mission and the mission of Mohawk College are one and the same -- putting students and learning at the heart of all we do. Brenda has made a significant and lasting contribution to the Six Nations Community, to Mohawk College and to the province’s educational system as a whole.”
Brenda’s contributions include:
- External member of Mohawk College’s Board of Governors since 2003
- Member of the Ontario Government’s Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Peoples’ Postsecondary Education, representing Six Nations of the Grand River
- Member of the Mohawk College Aboriginal Education Council (ACE) and chair of the AEC at Fanshawe College
- Chair of the Grand River Post Secondary Board
- Member of the Steering Committee for Registered Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities, which played a key role in successfully launching an innovative collaborative project between Mohawk College and Six Nations Polytechnic in 2004 for training registered practical nurses.
- Member of the Six Nations Health Sciences Focus Group, which developed a strategy for training more aboriginal health professionals
- Member of the Expert Panel on Early Reading in Ontario
- Principal of Oliver M. Smith – Kawenni:io Elementary School (1996-1998) and Emily C. General Elementary School (1991 – 1995).
The William G. Davis Community Volunteer Award, named after the former education minister who established Ontario’s college system in 1965, will be presented to Brenda at the ACAATO annual conference Feb. 20. The 5 th annual ACAATO awards for leadership, innovation and partnership recognize individuals, organizations and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of Ontario colleges.
