Ovide Mercredi becomes Senior Advisor to University of Manitoba

Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba, is pleased to announce that Mr. Ovide Mercredi has been named Senior Advisor to the University of Manitoba effective February 14, 2014 for a four month term.

Mercredi will work closely with the President’s Office, the President’s Executive Team, and the Executive Lead for Indigenous Achievement as the University undertakes the development of an updated strategic plan to take us through the next five years.

Barnard notes: “Indigenous Achievement is a key component of the U of M’s strategic planning framework, and I am delighted and honoured that Mr. Mercredi will be working in close partnership with the Executive Lead on integrating Indigenous perspectives into the University’s priorities, with a vision for the University to move forward in a collaborative manner that involves Indigenous faculty, staff and students.”

The partnership between Mercredi and the U of M executive team will also reinforce ongoing efforts to enhance innovative programming and supports geared toward First Nations, Metis and Inuit students.

Mercredi was named the recipient of the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013, and his many achievements and contributions were celebrated at last year’s Homecoming Dinner and events.

Mercredi is a highly respected community and national leader, and well-known as a lawyer, negotiator and leading advocate for Indigenous rights. He is a former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, was Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Manitoba and also served his community as Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation from 2005-2011.

As shown by his achievements, Mercredi has continued on a life-long path of advocacy, dedication and passion for First Nations issues, and established himself as a leader who believes in bringing together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples through cooperation, collaboration, partnership and negotiation.

For more information, please contact John Danakas, director, marketing and communications office, University of Manitoba, at: 204-474-8551 or email: John.Danakas@umanitoba.ca