Campbell’s contributions to College and community recognized with Indigenous Social Enterprise Diploma

Winnipeg, MB – Elder Mae Louise Campbell is a healer, teacher, grandmother and social advocate who has made it her life’s work to support and strengthen Indigenous women – both individually and collectively. Today, Red River College is proud to recognize her contributions to the community by awarding the Honorary Diploma in Indigenous Social Enterprise with a focus on Community Development and Social Innovation to Elder Mae Louise Campbell.

“In an organization as large as Red River College, it’s special to find someone who is known, respected, and beloved by an entire community, and Elder Mae Louise is all of those things to so many. During her 14 years with the College, she was invited by all 110 academic program areas to conduct and lead countless workshops, ceremonies and teachings.  She is known and celebrated for her stories that underscore the importance of harmony, respect, and resilience,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of Red River College.

“Elder Mae Louise Campbell’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Red River College and the province of Manitoba, and we are pleased to award her with the Honorary Diploma in Indigenous Social Enterprise and recognize her important contributions.”

Elder Mae Louise Campbell’s knowledge and experience has been embraced by many. Her life lessons and unique ability to educate and share knowledge around Indigenous worldviews creating dialogue outside of textbooks has been imperative to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community.

She has been an instrumental figure supporting many initiatives and committees both nationally and across Manitoba including: Grandmother Moon Lodge, Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre, Mayor Bowman’s Indigenous Advisory Circle,  Wisdom Keeper on the Grandmother Council of Manitoba, First Nations Advisory Committee to Canada’s Prenatal Nutritional Program, the Canadian Women’s Foundation on matters concerning the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women and girls, and was the recipient of the 2016 Indspire Award in the category of Culture, Heritage and Spirituality.

The College announced and presented Elder Mae Louise Campbell with the Honorary Diploma yesterday at the first ever Fall Virtual Convocation ceremony, where over 900 graduates from every campus across Manitoba celebrated this milestone achievement.

“I am very humbled to receive this gift presented to me by Red River College. My time at the College has been exciting and I am proud of the way we have moved ahead to advance Indigenous education, and stressed the importance of having Elders on board and part of the College community,” said Elder Mae Louise Campbell.

“I often think about those of us who are instructors, teachers and knowledge sharers, and I think it’s so important for us to learn from one another and from our students – this is how we gain wisdom. I respect and honour Red River College’s commitment to further Indigenize the College, and I encourage all of us educators to continue to keep our minds open to new ways of learning – especially in these challenging times.”

You can watch Virtual Convocation here.

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About the Honorary Diploma:

Red River College awards an Honorary Degree or Diploma to an individual who demonstrates high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements, and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.