To the MSVU community,
Mount Saint Vincent University has rescinded the honorary degree awarded to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 2005.
The Mount Saint Vincent University Senate Tributes Committee made a recommendation to the Senate following a request from the Indigenous Women’s Collective, a careful review of publicly available information with respect to disputed claims of Indigenous identity and academic credentials, and consultation with Indigenous advisors. The Senate passed a motion to rescind Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s honorary degree on May 24, 2023 in accordance with the Senate’s bylaws and procedures.
Mount Saint Vincent University is committed to reconciliation and we sincerely regret the pain this situation has caused Indigenous community members and others.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University