TORONTO, June 20, 2008 -- Dean Jacobs, a leading researcher of First Nations communities, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree from York University on Saturday, June 21, 2008.
Jacobs established the community-based research program at Walpole Island First Nation, which was given an award by the Friends of the United Nations in 1995 for its exemplary record in environmental research and sustainable development.
“Dean Jacobs has served his community as a Chief and Councillor, and has been a leader in First Nations research,” said York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “His community-based approach to research is changing the way we learn, and is a fine example of the type of research innovation that York encourages.”
In 1982, Jacobs was instrumental in enhancing community-based research capabilities by implementing a socio-economic and environmental research program called Nin.Da.Waab.Jig (Those Who Seek to Find). He became executive director of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre in 1989, responsible for designing, implementing and supervising community-based heritage programs. In 1997, the centre was designated by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development as a First Nations Effective Practices site.
An historical researcher for the Walpole Island Band Council in the 1970s, Jacobs identified, researched, developed and submitted specific land claims for the Walpole Island First Nation. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Chief of the Walpole Island First Nation.
The first Canadian Indian to be admitted to the Smithsonian Institution’s American Indian Cultural Resources Training Program, in 1976, Jacobs has been given a number of honours, including medals from the Governor General of Canada and the Ontario Archaeological Society and two eagle feathers from his peers.
Jacobs will receive his honorary doctor of laws degree Saturday at 2:30 p.m. during the Glendon College convocation, at York’s Glendon College campus.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
-30-
Contact:
Media Relations, York University, 416 736 5585 / media@yorku.ca
