Pictured (from left) Hockey Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler and Elder Trish Monague
On Saturday, June 5, one of the Canada’s hockey legends and Hockey Hall of Fame member Darryl Sittler will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters during Lakehead University’s Orillia campus virtual convocation ceremony.
“This year’s honorary degree recipient may be best known for his career on the ice, but it is the meaningful impact Darryl continues to make on the world outside of hockey that Lakehead University is pleased to recognize,” explained President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson.
“A dedicated volunteer with a number of charitable causes, including Special Olympics Canada and Colon Cancer Canada, Darryl has been an avid supporter of postsecondary education and our University since 2009.”
Lakehead University will also honour Elder Trish Monague with the 2021 Civitas Award.
"Convocation is a time to celebrate our graduands as well as those in our community who have helped our students be successful," said Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans, Principal of the Orillia campus. "Trish has helped to create a culturally supportive community on the Orillia campus through her counselling informed by traditional wisdom and teaching. We are extremely fortunate to have her as part of our campus team."
Approximately 2,600 students will graduate during faculty convocation ceremonies being held from June 7 to 11. Graduates from the class of 2020 are also invited to attend.
Trish Monague
2021 Civitas Award
Trish Monague (“Cedar Woman”) is from Beausoleil First Nation, a mother of four children and grandmother to six grandchildren.
Trish began her relationship with the spirit at the age of three and uses her gift as a cultural teacher and traditional healer. She has been clean and sober and walking the Anishnawbe Miikan for 30 years.
For 15 years she worked as an addiction’s counsellor with the Beausoleil Family Health Centre. Currently, she is the Heritage and Cultural Coordinator for Beausoleil First Nation.
For the last three years, Trish has shared her time, wisdom, and teachings with Lakehead Orillia students, faculty and staff as a visiting Elder and traditional healer. Her guidance has led to the spiritual growth of various departments resulting in improved supports and accessibility for Indigenous students and community members who visit.
Trish has shared sacred teachings and traditional medicines with students who are looking for clarity and direction for their education, career and life path. She has led ceremonies on campus to ensure the campus is a positive and safe learning space for all. Through her open approach to teaching, she has also contributed to the personal and professional development of staff and faculty who attend her teachings.
Trish is a member of the Lakehead University Elders Council and acts as an Elder-in-Residence. She also provides Indigenous spiritual support for end-of-life care for local hospitals.
Darryl Sittler
Honorary Degree – Doctor of Humane Letters
Darryl Sittler was drafted eight overall by the Maple Leafs in 1970, and by 1975 he had been named Captain, but it was in the year 1976, that he would leave his mark on history. On February 7, at Maple Leaf Gardens, Darryl would accomplish a feat that had never been achieved before, and has not been equaled since, scoring six goals and recording four assists, for an NHL record ten points in one game. Later that season, while facing the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, Darryl scored five goals in a single game, matching another NHL record that still stands. Five months later at the Montreal Forum, he would score the Canada Cup winning goal, in overtime vs. Czechoslovakia.
In 1982, Darryl would play his final game with the Maple Leafs, having become the team’s all-time leading scorer, and seven years later he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2003, he became just the tenth player to have his number raised to the rafters of Scotiabank Arena. Prior to the start of the 2014/15 season, Darryl was immortalized with a bronze statue on Legends Row. During the 16/17 season, both the Maple Leafs and the NHL announced their one hundred greatest players of all-time –Darryl made both lists.
Darryl’s contributions to our community have been equally impactful. An official ambassador for the Maple Leafs since 1991, he has been recognized for his work supporting such causes as Have a Heart for Down Syndrome, Special Olympics Canada and Colon Cancer Canada. He even laced up for a portion of the Marathon of Hope with Terry Fox. For his dedication, Darryl has been honoured with the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Media: For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Jaclyn Bucik, Media, Communications & Marketing Associate, at 705-330-4010 ext. 2014 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.