May 20, 2010 --- TORONTO - At Spring Convocation, Mount Saint Vincent University will honour Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, with an honorary degree. The convocation ceremony will take place on May 21.

The Foundation's Chair, Len Flett, said he was proud to congratulate Ms. Jamieson. "The extraordinary work that Roberta Jamieson does with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation serves as a perfect example of what individuals can do when they commit themselves to making a difference in the world. She is an enormous role model for all graduates who look to make a difference," said Mr. Flett

As the president and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Ms. Jamieson is known across Canada and throughout the world as a leader, a visionary and a skilled mediator. She is the first woman from a First Nation in Canada to graduate from law school, and since has been a leader in race relations and conflict resolution. Ms. Jamieson is committed to enriching Canada by advancing Aboriginal achievement.

Ms. Jamieson was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1994. She has enjoyed a distinguished career. She was appointed Indian Commissioner of Ontario, after which she was appointed by the Ontario Legislature as Ombudsman of Ontario in which she served a full ten-year term and was vice president of the International Ombudsman Institute. She is a Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory where she has resided throughout her life and served as elected Chief. Over the years, she has received 17 honourary doctoral degrees.

Ms. Jamieson will be honoured at the Friday morning convocation ceremony (May 21). Ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. in the Seton Academic Centre Auditorium, Mount Saint Vincent University. The Convocation Ceremonies will be streamed live on the University website at msvu.ca.

Stephen H. Lewis, humanitarian and esteemed diplomat, will also receive an honorary degree at the Mount Saint Vincent convocation ceremonies on May 20. The two ceremonies will graduate nearly 700 students from a wide range of disciplines in arts, science, graduate and professional studies programs.

"These two outstanding Canadians who have made remarkable contributions in our world, exemplifying Mount Saint Vincent's long standing commitment to advance social justice here in Canada and abroad," interim President and Vice-Chancellor Alexa McDonough said.

"We are so proud of what our graduates have achieved during their time at Mount Saint Vincent University," stated IMs. McDonough. "We are thrilled to be welcoming these esteemed individuals who have made such a profound impact on our society. They are wonderful examples of how our newest graduates can make a difference in our world."

For more information, please contact:

John Ecker
Vice President, Communications and Media Relations
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
B: 416-987-0260
C: 647.408.5044
jecker@naaf.ca

Akiko Lovett
akiko.lovett@msvu.ca
Mount Saint Vincent University
(902) 441-0505