(The Pas, MB) – Former University College of the North (UCN) Elder John Martin was a strong advocate for Indigenous perspectives in education and a defender of the Cree language. As Campus Elder in The Pas, he led many important ceremonies for UCN. John provided cultural camps as well as teepee and medicine wheel teachings on?site and in the north.

John sat as a governor of the first Keewatin Community College Board of Governors in 1993. At an early age, John helped his father on the trapline. He took the hard lessons of the bush with him throughout his life. A residential school survivor, he later worked as a welder, mechanic, band councillor, youth counsellor and UCN Campus Elder.

“On behalf of the whole UCN community, I offer sincere condolences to John’s family and friends,” said UCN President Doug Lauvstad. “John was a strong advocate for using indigenous world views as a means to empower youth and provide hope for the future. John was a champion for his people and communities and spoke eloquently on the imperative to preserve and promote Indigenous languages and culture.

He was a true leader at UCN in both thought and spirit. His wisdom and guidance will be missed.”

Flags at University College of the North will be lowered Monday, November 8th in memoriam of Elder John Martin.

University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while
respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.