REGINA — The University of Regina has awarded Joseph Naytowhow with an honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD) during Spring 2024 Convocation.
“Receiving this degree means all that I've experienced on my journey of healing and learning from elders is recognized and acknowledged,” said Naytowhow.
“This degree validates the knowledge and skills I’d been taught by traditional Indigenous teachers/masters. It demonstrates that our ways of knowing as Indigenous people are respected and accepted as part of the world I grew up in, here in Saskatchewan and Canada.”
Naytowhow, is a gifted singer/songwriter, accomplished stage and screen actor, orator, and storyteller. He is committed to the arts and demonstrates his passion through film, television, theatre, and collaborations with other artists. He has made mentoring and teaching his life’s work. His extensive career includes voice, music, and storytelling for on-air plays with several television networks.
Having earned a Bachelor of Education degree, studied with a Buddhist master for 15 years, worked as an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and mentor, Naytowhow is dedicated to lifelong learning and sharing cultural knowledge. He also has a strong connection to the University having served with the U of R Faculty of Education as an emerging Elder-in-Residence in 2015/16 and 2018/19.
Naytowhow, uses his many talents to explore themes of traditional nehiyaw (Cree) culture and contemporary society. He is a much sought after presenter and guest speaker who explores a variety of subjects including the vital role Mother Earth has in sustaining life and our responsibility to protect her, traditional Indigenous culture and ways of being, and other topics with a focus on bringing people together. He is renowned for his unique style of Cree/English storytelling combined with contemporary music and traditional First Nations drum, flute, and rattle songs.
“For his significant contribution to the arts, and for his commitment to bridging the gap between the contemporary world and traditional Indigenous culture, the University is thrilled to present this honorary degree to Joseph Naytowhow,” said U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen.
