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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Mission

Ruth Richards knows how challenging it can be to pay for a post-secondary education. The Criminology graduate knows some of her peers still struggle to pay their student loans. She wants to see them achieve their career goals, especially if they choose to return to campus to further their education.

A proud alumna, Ruth serves on the Alumni Association Council. With its mission to connect, inspire and support our network of graduates, the council develops programs and services to promote lifelong success and alma mater pride.

The council knows our alumni are our greatest ambassadors and they build the university’s reputation with their achievements. That’s why they established the Returning Alumni Award, providing financial support to graduates who return to the university for additional studies.

“The university allowed us to have best of everything; a great education, cultural diversity, and exposure to advanced technology,” says Ruth. “It laid the foundation for many successful alumni today.”

Matthew Fawcett, former Chair of the Alumni Association Council, also supports the award. He believes the unique university experience instills a great deal of pride in our alumni.

“The Returning Alumni Award is a great opportunity to give back to graduates who want to return to the university––whether they want to better themselves or change the world,” says Matthew “I think when we as alumni can give back to our peers, we can really make a difference.