Louise Mandell Q.C., one of Canada’s foremost Aboriginal rights lawyers and a tireless advocate for Canada’s First Nations was installed as Vancouver Island University’s Chancellor January 29.
January 29, 2015 - 3:45pm
One of Canada’s foremost Aboriginal rights lawyers and a tireless advocate for Canada’s First Nations was installed as Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Chancellor today (January 29) at a convocation ceremony at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo.
Lousie Mandell Q.C. is recognized for her exceptional and forward-thinking work in advancing Aboriginal and Treaty rights. She is one of the founders of the nationally recognized and respected law firm Mandell Pinder, established in 1983 specifically to support Canada’s Indigenous people to achieve recognition and implementation of their constitutional rights.
“Louise inspires others through her diligence, energy, creativity and use of a collaborative approach,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor of VIU.
“She shares similar values to VIU as well. Throughout her career she has used law as an agent for positive change; VIU uses education in the same way. Louise recognizes the important role education plays in the development of people and communities and is seen by many as an invaluable mentor.”
Passionate about education, Mandell uses her skills as a writer and as a public speaker at workshops and forums to pass on her knowledge and expertise.
Mandell has been recognized for her work with a number of designations and awards. In 1997 she was appointed Queen’s Counsel; in 2001 she was awarded the Georges Goyer Q.C. Memorial Award for exceptional contribution to the development of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights jurisprudence across the country.
Today Mandell is partner emeritus at Mandell Pinder, still connected but no longer involved in the day-to-day practice of law. This has created space for her to focus her considerable skills and expertise in other areas.
"It is such an honour and privilege to serve as second chancellor, and to walk in the footsteps of the first chancellor, Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo,” says Mandell.
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this great University which has inspired enrollment of a large number of Indigenous students, and taken leadership in promoting peace and reconciliation through dialogue, scholarship and innovative partnerships.”
In her first official duty as Chancellor, Mandell conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates to graduates attending VIU’s convocation ceremony January 29.
VIU celebrates the achievement of 655 graduates from a variety of disciplines in the Faculties of Art and Humanities, Management, Social Sciences, Education, Health and Human Services, Science and Technology, and Trades and Applied Technology in two ceremonies today, Jan. 29 and Friday, Jan. 30.
For a complete list of graduates, more information about VIU’s honorary doctorate recipients and the new chancellor, please visit www.viu.ca/convocation
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Backgrounder on Chancellor’s Role
Serving in a volunteer capacity, the chancellor acts as an ambassador for and a champion of the University. The chancellor is the titular head of the University, presiding over convocation ceremonies, conferring degrees and providing advice to the president. The chancellor is a member of the Board of Governors and the Senate. The Board of Governors appoints the chancellor on nomination by the VIU Alumni Association and after consultation with the Senate.
Media Contact
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.740.6288 E: Communications@viu.ca
T: @VIUNews
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