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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

Matthew Fawcett

Matthew FawcettOntario Tech University's learning approach helped Matthew see challenges as opportunities to create new solutions. His professors and fellow students motivated him to do more than he thought he could do. He wanted to deepen his partnership with the university, so he began volunteering for the Student Association, his faculty, the Justice Society and other student groups, and acquiring leadership skills and self-assurance along the way.

“Ontario Tech University made a huge impact on my life, not only in the classroom but outside of it," Matthew says.

Matthew has taken advantage of building his own experience as a leader. As former President of the Student Association, he helped students shape their academic experience. More than that, he influenced the future direction of the university.

"It was a tremendous opportunity to work with Ontario Tech University’s leaders and play a role in decision making," says Matthew. "I loved advocating for students and being deeply involved in university and student life."

As Chair of the Ontario Tech University Alumni Association, Matthew continues to lead, acting as a catalyst for relationship-building between alumni and Ontario Tech University. The university is young, so this is an ideal time to implement initiatives benefiting his fellow alumni and strengthening the growing Ontario Tech University alumni community.

"When students are able to realize the full potential of their education, they will ultimately contribute to the university, their community and the country," Matthew says.

Matthew Fawcett, class of 2007

Bachelor of Arts – Criminology, Policy and Justice
Customer Care Specialist, Ontario Public Service