You’ll have to refer to her as Dr. Levinia Nuqaqlaak Brown now.
The first woman mayor of Rankin Inlet and former deputy premier, still residing in the Kivalliq capital, received an honourary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Manitoba Friday, June 10.
“I never expected to receive such a huge honour,” said Brown after travelling home from the award ceremony. “It is wonderful, and it is a such a big pride to hold that I have this honourary doctorate degree in law.”
She thanked the university.
“When I first heard about it, it was such a surprise that I had a hard time absorbing it or taking it in,” said Brown. “Once it sunk in to me, I was on Cloud 9. I just couldn’t believe that I was one of those selected for an honourary doctorate degree.”
Besides politics, Brown held a long career in education, including being the first chairperson of the Keewatin Regional Education Authority. She was also recognized by the university for her work as a member of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Governing Circle and devoting herself to the development and promotion of community capacity building, especially regarding health and social services.
“Levinia Brown exudes determination,” said Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous), in her speech at the convocation ceremony.
“She’s a leader, a trailblazer, an educator. She’s a role model and an advisor. When she sees a problem, she puts her hand up to help.”
