For the first time at the School of Physical and Occupational therapy (SPOT), Indigenous graduates were gifted Pendleton blankets by the members of the Indigenous Health Professions Program (IHPP). These blankets were gifted to honour the graduates for their hard work and commitment throughout their educational journeys. The heavy wool blankets, with traditional motifs, represent the protection Indigenous students carry and the self-care they need as they care for the spirits of others as they begin their careers.
Three students, Occupational Therapy graduates Joelle Jobin from Treaty 1 territory, specifically the Michif (Red River Métis) community in Manitoba (pictured above), and Angel Oliver from the Naotkamegwanning Community in Ontario, and Physical Therapy graduate Anna Streib from the 253 Delaware nation in Ontario. Angel and Anna were unfortunately not able to attend the reception.
The gifting took place as part of SPOT’s annual Strawberries & Champagne Convocation Reception, which celebrates graduates of the professional Occupational Therapy and the Physical Therapy programs, the Rehabilitation Sciences Masters and Doctoral programs, the online Graduate Programs in Chronic Pain Management and Driving Rehabilitation, as well as award winners from the School.
Congratulations to all!