Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe says he’s pleased with the recent appointment of Catharyn Andersen as Memorial University’s first vice-president (Indigenous).
“I am confident Ms. Andersen will play an integral role in building on the already strong relationship between the Nunatsiavut Government and Memorial University,” says President Lampe. “Throughout her career, Ms. Andersen has demonstrated her commitment to advancing Indigenous issues, and in helping to preserve and protect our unique Labrador Inuit language, history and culture. I am certain she will continue to do so in her new role.”
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Andersen served as special advisor to Memorial’s president on Indigenous affairs, and led the creation of the first Strategic Framework for Indigenization. She also served as director and Inuktitut Language Program coordinator with the former Torngâsok Cultural Centre in Nain, and helped develop and deliver various language, cultural and heritage initiatives. She is now just one of two to hold the position of vice-president (Indigenous) at a Canadian university.
“On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, I’d like to congratulate Catharyn and to extend best wishes to her as she begins a new chapter in her career,” says President Lampe. “I am sure she will continue to be a tremendous asset to Memorial University in building stronger relations with Indigenous peoples throughout the province.”
The vice-president (Indigenous) is a five-year appointment, eligible for an additional five-year term. The position special advisor to the president on Indigenous affairs has been made redundant.