Visual Arts Student, Mary McPherson, recipient of Governor General's Award

First year Visual Art's student, Mary McPherson, was the recipient of the Junior Arts Award, awarded by the Aboriginal Arts and Stories competition this summer. On June 9, the Aboriginal Arts & Stories team, members of the program’s jury, sponsors and local community members gathered at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto to celebrate the achievements of the talented 2015 contest winners. Mary McPherson’s powerful award winning drawing, Cross Assimilation, addressed the attempt to assimilate Aboriginal people in Canada through institutions like residential schools.

McPherson was also awarded the 2015 Governor General's History Award (Junior Art Category) for her efforts to further an interest in and understanding of Canadian history and heritage.The awards were presented at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, October 16, 2015.

Lakehead University and the Visual Arts Department would like to congratulate Mary McPherson on her outstanding accomplishments.

McPherson's work, Cross Assimilation

Mary McPherson with the Governor General, David Johnston