2019-2020 Cherry Award Winners
Diana and Winston Cherry are active members of the local community who have a keen interest in supporting Indigenous students at Wilfrid Laurier University. Their intention is to recognize and support students who are committed to both their studies and the student community and who may, one day, be leaders in the greater Indigenous community.
This award, by nomination only, is open to all full-time and part-time students, both undergraduates and graduates, who self-identify as Indigenous persons. At the time of their nomination, students must be meeting all current academic program requirements. Candidates must be serious about their studies and be interested and caring members of Laurier's Indigenous student community, with which they will be actively involved. The ideal candidate is concerned with cultural heritage issues, and demonstrates enthusiasm, collegiality, and a caring spirit. In addition, the ideal candidate demonstrates an eagerness to develop the skills to one day assume a position of leadership, mentorship and/or responsibility in the wider Indigenous community.
Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Cherry Award Recipients!
Delores Maas
Honours Indigenous Studies and Child and Youth Studies
First Nations
Delores’ experience at the Indigenous Student Centre has changed her social activity and increased her cultural knowledge as an Indigenous person. Without the support of the Indigenous Student Centre, Delores would not have taken on the Indigenous Peer Mentor position, nor the President position for the Indigenous Student Association. She looks forward to continuing to participate in the newly renovated Indigenous Student Centre and hopes that this safe haven will continue to support future students.
Ethan Cire
Honours Bachelor of Arts
Métis
Ethan is thankful for the connections he has made during his time at the Indigenous Student Centre and Wilfrid Laurier University. Ethan is also looking forward to his classes starting back up in the fall and to his second year of studying Film and English.
Ruby Lukach
Bachelor of Business Administration
Inuit
Ruby is thankful for the staff at the Indigenous Student Centre. The Indigenous Student Centre has been a pivotal spot in her university career and has created a comfortable space for her to grow and flourish. Ruby has received countless opportunities and support from the centre, and above all the staff. The Indigenous Student Centre has been a safe space where she can truly feel at home and connected to others.
Olivia Dodge
Bachelor of Music
Métis
Olivia is a Métis student from Toronto, ON. She recently completed her BMus at Wilfrid Laurier University and plans to pursue her MA in Community Music in the fall. Her four years at Laurier have been an absolute joy, as well as a turning point in her identity as an Indigenous woman, thanks to the Indigenous Student Centre and its supportive community.
Shelley Hachey
Masters of Social Work - Indigenous Field of Study
Oneida Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River
Shelly is a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work Honours program at Wilfrid Laurier University and currently in the Master of Social Work Indigenous Field of Study program at Laurier's Kitchener location. Shelly is a mother of four beautiful children; a spouse, an Auntie, a friend and a daughter. Shelly is a passionate Indigenous woman who is eager to be a part of changing current systems of oppression towards her people.