The University of Lethbridge is pleased to recognize the work of Dr. Cindy Blackstock, a professor of social work at McGill University, by presenting her with an honorary degree at the University’s 2019 Spring Convocation ceremonies.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock has spent her career speaking out against the systemic inequalities of services provided to First Nations children, youth and their families.

Blackstock has spent her career speaking out against the systemic inequalities of services provided to First Nations children, youth and their families and, in the process, become a powerful advocate for Indigenous children in Canada.

“The work of Dr. Blackstock has brought issues of injustice and racial discrimination in Canada to the forefront and we are honoured to highlight her significant contributions to Canadian society,” says Charles Weaselhead, U of L chancellor. “We are humbled that she has chosen to accept our offer of an honorary degree and look forward to her address at Convocation.”

Blackstock will be presented with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 2019 Spring Convocation III Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock

Born in Burns Lake, British Columbia, Dr. Cindy Blackstock is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation. Determined to live within her cultural values of integrity, service and courage, she has used her extensive educational background to address the issues facing Indigenous communities, especially as they relate to child rights and social matters.

Blackstock made significant contributions to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in its work to develop and adopt a General Comment on the Rights of Indigenous Children. Her promotion of culturally-based, evidence-informed solutions has been recognized by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, the Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Frontline Defenders and more.

The author of more than 50 publications, Blackstock has won numerous awards for her work in protecting the rights of First Nations children and is a sought-after speaker. She has brought issues of injustice and racial discrimination in Canada to the forefront and she continues to work to ensure the government acts on the Human Rights ruling and to redesign Canada’s child welfare system.