Featuring:
Ruth Shead, University of Manitoba
Matthew Dunn, University of Saskatchewan
Stephen J. Augustine, Cape Breton University
Watch 3 intriguing and engaging presentations by recipients of the 2021 Prix d’Excellence for Best Indigenous Relations Initiative:
Session 1
Celebrating Indigenous Scholars
Ruth Shead, Director, Indigenous Engagement and Communications, University of Manitoba
This presentation explores how the Indigenous Scholars Profile and Speaker Series highlights the academic journeys, expertise and research of Indigenous Scholars working at the University of Manitoba. Through digital storytelling and an accompanying speaker series, audiences are introduced to the many ways Indigenous Scholars are producing and sharing knowledge(s) on matters that impact Indigenous communities while changing the landscape of learning at UM and transforming the lives of Indigenous and all peoples and communities.
Session 2
māmowi āsohtētān Internal Truth and Reconciliation Forum
Matthew Dunn, Senior Strategic Officer, Indigenous Engagement, Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, University of Saskatchewan
This presentation highlights the objectives of the 3rd annual māmowi āsohtētān Internal Truth and Reconciliation Forum, and provides details on the planning, implementation, and outcomes of the forum. Lessons learned will be shared, as well as how feedback was incorporated into the 4th annual forum.
Session 3
Collaborative Reconciliation in a working environment
Stephen J. Augustine, Associate Vice-President Indigenous Affairs and Unama’ki College, Cape Breton University
In the process of putting together this project and program, Learning About the L’nu Way, Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees at Cape Breton University learned about what reconciliation really means. Technicians, writers, researchers, and eventually the targeted audience learned about Indigenous voices and experiences first-hand in the telling and recording the history of our collective past.
Featuring: Danielle Mulligan, Campus Community Annual Giving Officer, University of Victoria
While it began as a volunteer driven, grassroots fundraiser in 2016, UVic’s Giving Tuesday campaign has grown into a beloved community tradition that raises more than $145,000 and engages more than 4,000 individuals each year. The creative and inclusive campaign showcases over 20 critically important programs and initiatives – ranging from student supports, mental health and wellness, research and outreach programs – and brings the spirit of philanthropy to the UVic community through innovative activities that educate and inspire community members. Learn how the team’s ability to engage and collaborate effectively with stakeholders has led to their overall success.
Featuring: Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins, Project Lead and Director of Communications, Advancement, Concordia University
Discover how academic, advancement, communications, events, facilities and government relations leaders at Concordia University came together to produce a hybrid event, featuring live and pre-recorded speakers, such as government officials, amid a public health crisis.
Featuring: Jill Ellsworth, Cape Breton University & Christopher Carroll, Keypath Education
Session 1: Achieving Social Media Success Through Authenticity
Jill Ellsworth, Digital Communications Specialist, Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University has taken its social media presence from underwhelming to over performing by focusing on three important steps. In this presentation you will learn about the importance of authenticity in social media, cultivating your brand identity, and the effort it takes to strategize social. Learn about audience insights, expectations, and how you can adapt your social media strategy in small ways for big wins.
Session 2: Algonquin College’s Online Convocation – Personalizing a virtual connection
Christopher Carroll, Content Manager at Keypath Education, (formerly at Algonquin College)
With the pandemic forcing Algonquin College’s convocation ceremonies to take place in a virtual space, the Communications team had to find a way to capture the spirit and excitement of these celebrations and translate them for an entirely digital audience. The campaign turned out to be a rousing success, thanks to customized messages sent out to grads, social media contests, celebrity shout-outs and more. Learn how AC was able to capture the spirit of the College’s largest annual event in a virtual setting.
Featuring: Haweya Fadal, Ryerson University & Derek Cassoff, McGill University
Session 1: Developing a podcast from the ground up: what worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned along the way
Haweya Fadal, Alumni Relations Officer, University Advancement, Ryerson University
Launching a university podcast can provide a new avenue to engage alumni and keep them informed about what’s happening within your institution. Ryerson University alumni are time-starved but still hungry for intelligent, informative discourse about the issues that affect their lives. We tapped into our network of researchers, experts and collaborators to provide valuable insight, context, and perspective on the significant issues facing our alumni and friends’ community—regardless of their circumstances, life stage, or physical location. This presentation will delve into the process of developing our podcast, key insights, and lessons learned.
Session 2: Lights… Camera…Action: How McGill University positioned itself as a leader in Covid information
Derek Cassoff, Managing Director, Communications, University Advancement, McGill University
When Covid-19 first arrived in North America, and the pandemic shuttered our schools and communities, the world sought answers. Learn how McGill University’s advancement office quickly responded to the call with a timely series of alumni webcasts that would attract nearly 200,000 viewers over the course of the following months.
Aloma Jardine, Communications Officer, Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University’s 2017 Giving Report was a bold departure from its previous reports to donors. The new approach was widely praised and well received by alumni and friends of the University and garnered a CCAE Bronze Prix d’Excellence.
But there were a number of points along the way when it seemed the project might never come to fruition. This session will explore why Mount Allison decided to take a new direction with its Giving Report, how it developed a new approach, and what kind of positive impact it had, as well as the challenges faced along the way.
