Dr. Muriel Sawyer-baa Boardroom

NUSU Student Centre Dr. Muriel Sawyer Boardroom with students meeting on a sunny day

Dr. Muriel Sawyer-baa Boardroom

The NUSU Student Centre Boardroom is named after Dr. Muriel Sawyer-baa, former Nipissing First Nation Deputy Chief. Dr. Sawyer-baa passed away in 2021. She was a Custodian of Language and Culture, an irreplaceable Advocate for Indigenous Education.

Dr. Sawyer-baa had worked with other elders to translate signage in the Student Centre to Nishnaabemwin, an Indigenous dialect.

Dr. Sawyer-baa had an extensive history with Nipissing University. In 2014, Dr. Muriel Sawyer-baa was the recipient of an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa), from Nipissing University. She began teaching after earning her BA from Nipissing University in 1974 and continued to teach Junior Kindergarten through to post-secondary in her over 40-year career.

She wrote, implemented and taught the first Anishnaabemwin program for the Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic School board for 25 years. Dr. Sawyer was instrumental in the launch of Nbisiing Secondary School, where she served as teacher, Vice-Principal and Principal until her retirement.

At Nipissing University, Dr. Sawyer-baa co-created the "Teacher of a Second Language Program" - now known as the "Teacher of Indigenous Languages as a Second Language" - as well as taught several courses within the program.

An advocate, teacher, and mentor for her students and colleagues, Dr. Muriel Sawyer-baa leaves behind a lasting legacy with the many Anishnaabemwim teachers who are now continuing her extensive work.