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SYDNEY, N.S. —

SYDNEY, N.S. – Cape Breton University is bestowing honours upon a well-known Indigenous rights activist and lawyer.

During its fall convocation ceremony, Ovide Mercredi will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, for his role in advocating for Indigenous rights both nationally and internationally.

The Cree man was born in the northern community of Grand Rapids, Man. He served his community as chief of Misipawistik Cree Nation from 2005 to 2011.

A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Robson hall faculty of law in 1977, he practiced criminal law and later specialized in constitutional law as an advisor to Manitoba Chiefs.

On June 12, 1991, Mecredi was elected national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, a role which he held from two terms from 1991 to 1997.

His many honours and awards are the Order of Manitoba, a nomination for the Gandhi Peace Prize, and honorary law degrees from Bishop’s University, Saint Mary’s University, and Lethbridge University.

“I say that I am an optimist about our future because I know that when we come together as men and women, as elders and children, for the collective good of our people and the advancement of our communities and our societies, not only will we benefit, but Canada as a whole will benefit,” Mercredi is quoted as saying.

CBU has been awarding honorary degrees since 1989. Throughout the years it has welcomed people from around the world into its alumnus family.

This year’s fall convocation will take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2, at the Canada Games Complex.