Corinne Chappell wins Dwight Dorey Youth Advocacy Award
Corinne Chappell, Advisor to the Vice-President, Academic and Research, on Indigenous Affairs at UPEI, has won the prestigious 2022 Adult Dwight Dorey Youth Advocacy Award. This award, established by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ National Youth Council, recognizes an Indigenous adult who demonstrates support, advocacy, and leadership towards Indigenous youth in their communities.
Chappell is a member of the Mi’kmaq First Nation. In her role at UPEI, she plans, develops, and implements initiatives related to the University’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. This includes guidance on stakeholder collaborations and helping UPEI to develop a better understanding and response to the Calls to Action related to post-secondary education as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. She has also served an important role in the development of the new UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS).
“This recognition is a very big honour in the Indigenous community,” said Dr. Gary Evans, interim dean of the IKERAS faculty. “We are so proud of Corinne and the many contributions she makes to the lives of our Indigenous youth.”
“Corinne is very deserving of this national award,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research. “She is a wonderful advocate and supporter of Indigenous youth. She has made a major positive impact through her work here at UPEI. I applaud her accomplishments and inspiration of Indigenous youth and know she will continue to be a leader in this community in the future,” said Naterer.
Chappell holds Master of Education degrees from UPEI and St. Francis Xavier University. She is also a PhD student at Western University and taught for over 20 years at the high school level. She co-founded and chaired the PEI Teachers’ Federation’s Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and is a member of the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders Association, based at First Nations University of Canada. She is also widely respected as a Mi’kmaq artisan, creating garments and art pieces that blend traditional styles with modern fashion.
