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For immediate release
April 29, 2022

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this media statement to congratulate and recognize MKO staff member Angela Levasseur. She is graduating as a Juris Doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Minneapolis this year.

Ms. Levasseur, of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), has been studying law for three years. She is a Cree woman who lives in Thompson, Manitoba. She is taking part in a graduation ceremony for Indigenous students in Minneapolis today on April 29, 2022. Angela will be the first person from NCN to graduate with a law degree.

“I will be completing my Juris Doctor in July 2022. My goal is to work as part of the legal team for my community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, specializing in Indigenous Law. I am graduating with a Certificate in Native Law from the Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law,” shared Ms. Levasseur. “I want to promote law as a career choice for MKO youth and citizens and this is one of the major reasons I was able to persevere through multiple hardships. It has been an interesting journey and I will be very happy once it is done.”

Angela works with MKO as a project coordinator and researcher in support of the well-being of families and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people. Her last day of law school is on July 31, 2022.

When she takes part in the graduation ceremony for Indigenous students later today, she will be wearing clothing that was specially made for her by her colleague and supervisor, Heidi Spence. Ms. Levasseur will also be wearing a medallion gifted to her by her home community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

“This is a historic occasion for MKO. We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of Angela Levasseur. We know she will serve as a role model for many people in our MKO First Nations,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “At MKO we are inspired to see the accomplishments of our employees and our MKO citizens. It is a very proud moment for us to know that Angela will be the first person from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to graduate with a law degree. Although she is the first, we know she won’t be the last. Ekosi Angela for persevering and for sharing your inspiring journey with us.”

Anyone who would like to watch the livestream of the graduation ceremony for Indigenous students this evening at 6 pm can tune in using either of these links:
• Virtual room: https://livestream.com/idreamtv/americanindiangraduation2022
• Website: https://americanindiangraduation.wordpress.com/

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]