Civitas Award
The Civitas Award is awarded annually to recognize a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University’s Orillia Campus.
This year, Lakehead University honours:
Trish Monague
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’s Elders Council and acts as an Elder-in-Residence. She also provides Indigenous spiritual support for End of Life care for local hospitals.
Elder Trish Monague will be honoured on Saturday June 5 at the 11 a.m. EST Orillia Main Convocation Ceremony.