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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Dr. Avis Glaze

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

Dr. Avis Glaze has had a lengthy and impressive career in the education sector, teaching at all levels of the system. She has served as Vice-Principal and as Superintendent of schools in several different school districts in both the public and separate school boards.

As Associate Director of Education for the York Region District School Board and Director of Education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Dr. Glaze implemented Character Education programs. While with the York board, she initiated a parallel program within the broader community and, as a result of her efforts, York Region became the first Character Community in Canada. She was appointed by the provincial government to serve as a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Learning to make recommendations to improve education in Ontario. In addition to this prestigious position, she has won numerous awards including being invested in the Order of Ontario in recognition of her outstanding contribution to enriching the lives of others and her achievement of excellence in her field.

She has been Ontario's Education Commissioner and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Education on equity and character development. Her other positions include Professor-in-Residence in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, President of Edu-quest International Inc., and Advisor to the Minister of Education in New Zealand on national standards.