-
Frequently Asked International Exchange Questions
International Exchange Students - international students who are enrolled in an educational institution abroad and apply to study on exchange at Nipissing University for one semester or one full academic year.
International Degree-Seeking Students - international students who would like to obtain their full degree and graduate from Nipissing University. Degree seeking students typically study for 3-4 years at Nipissing University.
-
Outgoing Nipissing Exchange Students
Studying abroad presents an exciting opportunity to enrich your education. Our office provides a variety of options to help you internationalize your degree.
- Immerse yourself in a new culture by spending a year or semester at one of our partner institutions.
- Contribute to global initiatives by volunteering with one of our partner organizations.
- Acquire invaluable international work experience through internship opportunities.
There are numerous benefits to participating in an exchange program. It allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and experience of a different culture and language, view your academic discipline or worldview from a new perspective, and develop transnational competencies and cross-cultural communication skills, which are increasingly valued by employers. Additionally, an exchange fosters independence, flexibility, resilience, and adaptability to new circumstances.
We invite you to explore the opportunities and services available by reviewing the links below or contacting the International Mobility Coordinator atinternationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.
Check out our Stories from Exchange page to learn more about other students’ experiences.
Learn about Exchange Programs:
Application Process:
After you Apply:
While Abroad:
Returning from Exchange:
Congratulations on completing your exchange! The Exchange Team has put together the following tips to help you leverage your experience for future success.
-
International Student Mentorship Program
The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to help international students develop friendships and adjust to their new learning and living environment. The mentors are Nipissing University are students who volunteer their time to help support you! Some mentors may have studied abroad and others might be interested in going overseas in the future, but all of them have an interest in meeting new people and learning about different cultures. The mentors are responsible for organizing trips, social events and activities for international students. We recommend all new international students participate in ISMP, but it is not mandatory.
Members of the ISMP team are also available throughout the school year to help answer any questions you may have about your courses, campus procedures, on- campus living, the North Bay community and much more!
The Nipissing International Support office will send you an email prior to your arrival at Nipissing University. You will have the opportunity to meet with the mentors and participate in individual meetings as well as group events. It is important to keep in mind that our mentors are students as well, and although they have schoolwork and jobs of their own, they will do their best to help meet your needs.
Nipissing Students
Internationalizing Your Degree at Home
The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is a student volunteer program connecting international students with current Nipissing University students. The group provides international students with social activities, such as trips to Ottawa and Toronto, camping, skating in a provincial park and international potlucks throughout their time at Nipissing. This program also trains its mentors to connect international students with personal and academic supports available to them at the University.
The program fosters and facilitates cross-cultural learning with a focus on supporting students with their transition to life in Canada and at Nipissing University.
The International Student Mentorship Program is also a registered activity for Nipissing University’s Record of Student Development (RSD).
ISMP Executive Team
Welcome wonderful mentors!
Thank you for your involvement in the program, we could not do it without your continued commitment and dedication! Find important information for you below.
International Student Mentorship Program Executive Positions
Become a Mentor
Get to know a different culture first hand by working with a network of NU students who volunteer their time to help our international students adjust to life in Canada and at Nipissing University. Providing international students with a network of peer-support, opportunities to explore our city and province, and assisting in their campus integration, it is our student mentors that truly shape the experience of our students. Join the International Student Mentorship Program and help our international students feel right where they belong at NU.
International Student Mentors are responsible for the following:
- Completing monthly communication form about their assigned mentee
- Collaborating with other mentors to plan one event/ program per semester
- Attending a monthly mentor meeting
- Attending a mandatory training session
- Attending other ISMP events throughout the year, to support your fellow mentors
-
International Student Support
International Student Support provides support, programming and orientation to both international degree seeking students and short term exchange students who choose to study at Nipissing University. So whether you are here for an exchange or to obtain your degree, our programs and services will help make you feel right where you belong at Nipissing.
We welcome you to find out more about opportunities and services offered by exploring the links below or contacting the International Student Support office at internationalsupport@nipissingu.ca.
Office Hours
8:30am - 4:30pm
8:30am - 4:00pm (May - August)
Location: B209-CContacts
Email: internationalsupport@nipissingu.ca
Phone: 705-474-3450 ext.4321On this page
Accepted International Students Arrival Checklist Resources Additional Support Contact Us FAQ for International Degree-Seeking Students
Accepted International Students Arrival Checklist
We are so excited that you have chosen to study at Nipissing University. This is an exciting time in your life, and we are happy to welcome you as the newest member of our international family. We cannot wait for you to feel the warm, tight-knit community that Nipissing prides itself on and our goal is to deliver you a truly Canadian experience.
Resources
Internationalize your Degree Abroad
An exchange program provides cultural and language experience, fresh perspectives, valuable cross-cultural skills, and helps build independence, flexibility, resilience, and adaptability.
International Student Mentorship Program
The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to help international students develop friendships and adjust to their new learning and living environment.
The North Bay & Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is designed to bring the benefits of immigration to rural communities across Canada.
What is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is compulsory for international students studying at a university in Ontario, Canada. UHIP provides basic health coverage similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Your coverage typically begins at the start of your academic term or the UHIP policy period and remains active as long as you are enrolled and eligible. UHIP fees are charged to your student account each year, with the first-year fee due upon arrival.
What Does UHIP Cover?
UHIP covers medically necessary services, including:
- Emergency room services at hospitals
- Hospitalization in a standard ward
- Medications administered during hospitalization
- Physician services (doctor visits)
- Annual health examination
- Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury
- Surgery
- Diagnostic laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited emergency services outside Ontario or Canada (under the same conditions as OHIP)
- Services of certain practitioners (e.g., osteopaths and podiatrists), under the same conditions as OHIP
Important Information
- UHIP covers basic healthcare only. It does not include prescription drugs, dental care, or vision care. These services are typically covered under a separate extended health plan (Student Insurance Plan), which is different from UHIP.
- When traveling outside Ontario or Canada, UHIP provides limited emergency coverage only. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance.
Using Your Coverage
You will receive your UHIP proof of coverage electronically to your student email. Please present this document when visiting a healthcare provider.
In most cases, you should not have to pay for services when you present proof of coverage. However, some providers may require payment at the time of service. If this occurs:
- Pay for the service
- Request a receipt
- Submit an online claim for reimbursement through the insurer
Eligible expenses will be reimbursed according to UHIP guidelines.
Before Arrival
Before leaving your home country, you may wish to purchase travel insurance to cover you during your journey to Canada. We also encourage all international students to review the UHIP plan in advance to determine if additional coverage is needed.
For more detailed information, please visit: www.uhip.ca
If you have any questions about UHIP, including claims, please contact the International Student Support Office at internationalsupport@nipissingu.ca.
What is WUSC?
World University Services of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian non-profit organization in international development, committed to building a sustainable world. Work with a group of internationally minded individuals both on-campus and across Canada who believe “Education Changes the World” and have a passion to give back globally.
Become a part of our local WUSC committee and think globally while participating in awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts. WUSC offers leadership development, conferences and opportunities to get involved globally.
How do I get involved?
Nipissing University has a local committee on campus, we are always looking for new members. Please contact us at nuwusc@nipssingu.ca.
What is the Student Refugee Program (SRP)?
SRP is a program that Nipissing University is proud to actively participate in. The SRP program is one of WUSC’s longstanding programs, being active since 1978, and helps refugees achieve their dreams of obtaining a post-secondary education here in Canada.
At Nipissing we sponsor students for 3 years. Each Nipissing student contributes $2.50 each year to this program. We also raise funds through our annual Ten Thousand Villages Sale.
Nipissing University has graduated 4 SRP students to date and and 2 active SRP students are currently on campus.
Explore Additional Support for Students
Academic Advising for International Students
The Academic Advising department primarily assists with academic questions for current undergraduate students. For assistance, contact internationaladvising@nipisingu.ca or access our page to explore how we can help.
Student Financial Services
The department is meant to provide you with the best possible financial service and counseling in support of your education goals.
Graduate Studies
Build on your success and unlock new possibilities with Nipissing graduate studies.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions from International Degree-Seeking Students
International Exchange Students - international students who are enrolled in an educational institution abroad and apply to study on exchange at Nipissing University for one semester or one full academic year.
International Degree-Seeking Students - international students who would like to obtain their full degree and graduate from Nipissing University. Degree seeking students typically study for 3-4 years at Nipissing University.
-
International Student Admissions
Nipissing welcomes qualified applicants from outside of Canada to consider applying to degree programs at Nipissing University. Applications and all required official transcripts and applicable supplemental documentation are due by April 1 for September admission consideration. See details below for more information on how to apply.
Undergraduate Program Admissions for Incoming International Students
Post-Baccalaureate Program Admissions for Incoming International Students
Graduate Program Admissions for Incoming International Students
-
Future International Students
Welcome to Nipissing University
Small school. Big opportunities.
At Nipissing University, we believe our small size is one of your biggest advantages. Our focus on student success is consistently recognized with top rankings in Canada in the areas of student support, student experience, faculty, and residences. Our personalized approach to teaching creates a high-quality learning environment where you can engage in lively debate and discussion with your peers and faculty. Our picturesque campus is surrounded by nature and offers an inspiring place to live and learn amongst one of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada. Connect with us today to discover why Nipissing University is right where you belong.
Live and Learn in North Bay
The City of North Bay, Ontario, Canada is nestled between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake and is surrounded by numerous protected natural areas, heritage forest parks and historical sites. Approximately a 3½ hour drive from Toronto or a 4 hour drive from Ottawa, our friendly and inviting city is a popular year-round destination. Offering plenty of activities, amenities and services to meet your student needs, North Bay’s vibrancy is only exceeded by its hospitality.
Explore our Campus
Visit our interactive 3D map to take a virtual tour of our beautiful buildings, facilities and campus.
Upcoming Deadlines
Contact Us:
Telephone: 705-474-3450 x 4433
Email: internationaladmiss@nipissingu.ca
Office: F308-B -
International Students
International Degree-Seeking Students
Would like to obtain your full degree and graduate from Nipissing University. Degree seeking students typically study for 3-4 years at Nipissing University.
International Exchange Students
International students who are enrolled in an educational institution abroad and apply to study on exchange at Nipissing University for one semester or one full academic year.
Nipissing Exchange Students
Current Nipissing students who wish to study at one of our international partner institutions for one semester or one full academic year.
Types of International Students
International Degree-Seeking Students - international students who would like to obtain their full degree and graduate from Nipissing University. Degree seeking students typically study for 3-4 years at Nipissing University.
International Exchange Students - international students who are enrolled in an educational institution abroad and apply to study on exchange at Nipissing University for one semester or one full academic year.
Nipissing Exchange Students - Current Nipissing students who wish to study at one of our international partner institutions for one semester or one full academic year.
Hear from Our Students
Animesh Arora
International Student from India
Program: Post-Bachelor Diploma in MarketingNipissing University is situated in a really beautiful setting. I am a nature person so I take walks in the forest and I enjoy [visiting Duchesnay] Falls and going to the beach.
As far as finding friends, there are a lot of groups within the university, which has helped me socialize and meet people, which has helped me in different capacities; be it emotionally, be it in a friendly way, [or] a professional way.
To my fellow international students, I would say come here with an open heart and open arms. People out here are really nice, welcoming, and really warm.
-
Indigenous Mentorship: Mentors
Who are Our Mentors?
Mentors will be featured on Peer2Peer Profile Posters in Enji giigdoyang (F215)
Mentors are upper year Indigenous Nipissing University student employees and volunteers who contribute to making our OII student lounge a welcoming space for all.
Why Become a Mentor?
- Free training is provided for all mentors, as well as cultural and staff support. You can add this to your resume!
- This role is RSD approved. This means you can add it to your Record of Student Development, which is added to your transcript.
- Develop and acquire new skills for the workforce
- Meet new people and build relationships with your peers
- To give back to the University community
What is your role as a Peer2Peer Mentor?
Peer2Peer mentorship supports new students by facilitating relationship building, answering questions, welcoming students into the OII student lounge, and introducing new students to additional resources. It also creates paths for students to become more involved in community.
Peer2Peer mentors support mentees by:
- Answering questions about OII student services
- Helping mentees find the supports they need
- Providing campus tours and orientating students with University services
- Inviting mentees to participate in OII events (i.e. Peer2Peer events, cultural events, sharing circles, Pow Wow, etc.)
- Meeting in the OII lounge for a tea or coffee break
- Promoting mentorship through information tables and talking to students
- Participating in various workshops and events throughout the year
Student Employee Mentors vs Student Volunteer Mentors
Opportunities to become an Indigenous Student Volunteer Mentor are always available and opportunities to be an Indigenous Student Employee Mentor can be found on the Student Employment page when positions are posted.
Student employee mentors will also be responsible for the facilitation of the Wiidooktaadwin program in area secondary schools. All training and coordination is provided through the Indigenous Mentorship Coordinator.
This role includes:
- Being a role model for secondary school students
- Sharing University experiences with youth
- Leading cultural teachings and activities for youth
Being a student mentor is an exciting and enjoyable way to develop and acquire skills, make lasting friendships, and build your Student Record of Development. There are both student employee and student volunteer positions available for Peer2Peer mentorship each year.
Become a Mentor Today!
If you think you might be interested in becoming an Indigenous Student Mentor, please complete the mentor registration form at the button below, or contact the Indigenous Mentorship Coordinator at Indigenousmentorship@nipissingu.ca.
-
Indigenous Mentorship: Mentees
Why Become a Mentee?
Becoming an Indigenous student mentee is a great way to meet new people and make lasting relationships, become involved with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), gain a sense of community, learn what the OII and the University has to offer you, and may lead to future student employment opportunities!
Peer2Peer Mentors are available to support you in-person and online in the following ways:
- To welcome you into the OII lounge and meet for a tea or coffee break
- To answer your questions about OII student services
- To help you find supports and connect you with what you need
- To give you a campus tour or help you find the department or University service you are looking for
- To invite and accompany you to OII events taking place (i.e. Peer2Peer events, cultural events, sharing circles, Pow Wow, etc.)
Becoming a mentee is easy! If you think you might be interested in becoming an Indigenous Student Mentee, please complete the mentee registration form at the button below, or contact the Indigenous Mentorship Coordinator at Indigenousmentorship@nipissingu.ca.
-
Alumni Awards 2023
2023 Alumni Award Recipients
- Dr. Jonathan Pitt
Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award - Maggie Horsfield
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Megan Odd
Rising Star Alumni Award - Paige Trudeau-Shemilt
Philanthropy Alumni Award - Maurice Switzer
Honorary Alumni Award
Dr. Jonathan Pitt
Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award
Presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.
About Dr. Jonathan Pitt
Dr. Jonathan Pitt is an Indigenous person with Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee roots with First Nations in Quebec and holds multiple Nipissing University degrees (B.A.(Hons), B.Ed., AdEd., M.Ed.). He completed a doctorate in education at the University of South Africa.
During his time as a student at Nipissing, he was a decorated athlete, notably as a member of the Varsity Lakers Nordic Ski Team.
Dr. Pitt was a full-time faculty member at Nipissing University in the Schulich School of Education and later started teaching as a Contract Academic Staff Bargaining Unit (CASBU) instructor while simultaneously working as a schoolteacher. In addition to teaching Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education courses during the fall and winter terms, Dr. Pitt teaches Indigenous Studies in Nipissing University’s Summer Indigenous Institute (SII) and Indigenous Foundations Program (IFP) for Enji giigdoyang – Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII). He is an advocate and regularly integrates Biidaaban Community Service-Learning (CSL) within the courses he teaches.
Dr. Pitt has taught in the Faculty of Arts and Science, the M.Ed/Ph.D Program, the Indigenous Teacher Education Programs (ITEP), and in the Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language (TILSL) Program in the Schulich School of Education and consistently scores highly on student course evaluations.
Many of Dr. Pitt’s colleagues consider him a leader in Indigenous Studies and Education.
As an Indigenous Educator, he incorporates his life experiences and land-based knowledge to his courses by bringing students onto the land to demonstrate that learning that can occur outside the classroom walls, something that his students share as important to their learning and communities.
Dr. Pitt was part of the planning team for the Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language (TILSL) program. He has worked as an Indigenization Advisor to the Nipissing University Faculty Association (NUFA) and with the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in December 2014 as a curriculum consultant for Drew Hayden Taylor’s play entitled Spirit Horse and again in 2016 providing input on how Indigenous teachers can be supported in their role.
Since 2014, he has been featured regularly in the media lending knowledge as an Indigenous Scholar for radio interviews for CBC and multiple newspaper articles on topics such as teachings, ceremonial sites, spiritual places, pictographs and other topics. To date, he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and served as the editor for Indigenous-created teacher resource books such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
In June 2023, Dr. Pitt was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (CASBU) By Nipissing University at their annual Convocation celebrations for his leadership and commitment to Indigenous Studies and Education.
Maggie Horsfield
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished them as a valued leader. The recipient will have demonstrated positive influence through their professional pursuits and as a result of their actions, the alumnus will have made a strong contribution to the prestige and reputation of Nipissing University.
Maggie Horsfield - Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
About Maggie Horsfield
A lifelong North Bay resident, Maggie Horsfield holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science and History from Nipissing University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development Challenges from the University of Edinburgh.
Maggie began her career at Nipissing University after graduating in 2014 as a Student Recruitment Officer before moving to the President’s Office as the Executive Assistant and coordinates the University’s annual Convocation ceremonies.
A dedicated community member, Maggie was elected Deputy Mayor of the City of North Bay in 2022 and serves on the North Bay Police Services Board, the Heritage North Bay Board, the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Board. She also serves as the Chair of the Lindsay Weld Centre for Children and has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Near North Crime Stoppers and the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce.
Maggie previously chaired the Young Professionals Committee while serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 2020, she received the Chamber Young Professional of the Year Award and in 2022, she was elected Newsmaker of the Year by Baytoday.ca.
Maggie is passionate about building relationships and connecting people to grow community engagement. She actively engages with community members on social media and assists individuals in connecting with City services and community organizations.
Maggie recently earned the title of mother and welcomed her son, Silas, in July 2023.
Megan Odd
Rising Star Alumni Award
The Rising Star Alumni Award is presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments. It is awarded to an alumnus who has graduated in the last five years.
Megan Odd - Rising Star Alumni Award
About Megan Odd
Megan Odd graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminal Justice in 2020, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology in 2022. During her time at Nipissing, she was actively engaged in research and the community through her undergraduate and graduate theses.
In 2021, she was invited to present her undergraduate honours thesis research, “Implementing the Eight-Lamp Amber-Red Advanced Warning Light System on School Buses in Ontario”, to the Province’s Legislative Assembly in support of Bill-246, the Safer School Buses Act. This experience along with her growing interest in research led her to the decision to pursue a master’s degree.
While completing her MA, Megan worked full-time as a Housing and Homelessness Planner and Analyst at the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB). While in this position, she was responsible for coordinating the 2021 point-in-time count and survey of homelessness in the Nipissing District, submitting provincial shelter reports, and co-developing the district’s first Coordinated Access service system, “Coordinated Access Nipissing”. It was in this role that she narrowed my master’s thesis topic.
Megan’s master’s thesis research titled “Locked Down but No Where to Go: Analyzing Homelessness in the District of Nipissing, Ontario, Canada before, at the Onset and During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2018-2021)” investigated the structural and individual-level barriers and factors associated with becoming or remaining homeless, along with trends and sociodemographic variations in the reasons for housing loss, barriers to housing, episodic and chronic homelessness. She successfully completed her MA thesis defence in August 2022.
As a graduate student, Megan was awarded two Ontario Graduate Scholarships. Her research was also the recipient of funding through her supervisor’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant.
Following her graduation in September 2022, Meghan was hired at Canadore College as a Research Officer while also given the opportunity to teach sociology part-time. In January 2023, she transitioned from this role to full-time Professor of Social Sciences.
In May 2023, Megan was selected to present at the 2023 Canadian Population Society (CPS) Conference at York University in Toronto.
In July 2023, she successfully published alongside Dr. Amir Erfani, the first of two manuscripts related to her thesis research. Their second manuscript is currently in revisions and will be ready to submit for publishing in the coming months.
To this day, Megan remains actively engaged in research through Canadore acting as a faculty researcher on two projects.
Paige Trudeau-Shemilt
Philanthropy Alumni Award
The newly created Philanthropy Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment and service. The ideal candidate is passionate about an important social cause, freely gives their time, exemplifies great leadership qualities and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the social challenge related to his or her cause. This can include attempting to break down biases, change perceptions and alleviate issues impeding progress while working toward conquering a problem or responding to a need in a tangible way.
Paige Trudeau-Shemilt - Philanthropy Alumni Award
About Paige Trudeau-Shemilt
At a young age, Paige Trudeau-Shemilt was formally introduced to public speaking and inspiring others through her own fight with cancer.
Her father, Rod Shemilt, initially brought the Relay to Life to North Bay, where at age eight, Paige became its first honorary chair, and delivered her first formal community speech, to help bring a vision to North Bay for what would be a new tradition in the fight, at a local level. This is when she knew she wanted to continue to raise awareness and inspire others.
Paige continued to share her personal battle with cancer, speaking at local schools during Terry Fox campaigns from ages twelve to seventeen. She also took part in local events, such as the COLOUR RUN, as an honorary chair and spokesperson. Other experiences included working with the AIDS Committee of North Bay, the North Bay Health Unit and local youth athletic clubs.
Paige graduated from Nipissing University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing and minor in Psychology. Her goals were to work for non-profit groups in public relations.
Within her first year of working full-time at Oxford Learning North Bay, her goal to work to change lives was affirmed. Watching students grow, learn, and develop their confidence was more rewarding than she could have imagined.
At age 24, Paige stepped into the role of North Bay Chapter Co-President for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Canada. Fundraising for CF gave her the opportunity to advocate and create awareness for this requisite organization within her community. For five years, she was a co-organizer for the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, during this time, she hosted and organized numerous events and fundraisers.
In 2019, she married her high school sweetheart, Jordan Gardiner, who himself was living with Cystic Fibrosis. A few days before their wedding, Jordan was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. This life altering event sparked even more energy in raising awareness specifically for colon cancer.
In 2022, she co-founded “Jordan's Bash for Hope”, a colon cancer fundraising event which included a music festival and volleyball tournament. Funds were raised for Colon Cancer Canada, specifically the “Never too Young” program, and for North Bay families going through their own health battles.
Unfortunately, Jordan lost his battle with cancer in early 2023. Paige and her co-organizer intend on continuing this event and hope to grow it each year.
Paige has endeavoured tirelessly in her commitment to various efforts and organizations over 23 years and continues to be recognized. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Franchisee of the Year Award which is awarded across all Canadian companies from the Canadian Franchise Association. She was also the recipient of the Northern Ontario Volunteer Leadership Award in 2020 from Cystic Fibrosis Canada and she was recognized by Colon Cancer Canada for her dedication in promoting early detection of colon cancer.
Paige intends to continue her philanthropic work and hopes to inspire the youth in our community to do the same.
Maurice Switzer
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the university, but whose actions and dedication have made a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience. This honour recognizes friends of Nipissing University for outstanding service, commitment and contribution, past or present, to the University.
About Maurice Switzer
At an early age in Toronto, Maurice Switzer was minded during the day by his grandfather Harry, who migrated to Canada in the early 1900s to escape anti-Jewish pogroms in the Russian Empire.
He spent his early elementary school days in the Lakefield home of his grandparents Moses and Nellie Marsden, who had left the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation to seek employment and education opportunities for their family.
The Marsdens were the first Indigenous family to settle in Lakefield and Maurice was the first Indigenous student to attend Trent University in nearby Peterborough, which he left midway through his sophomore year to begin a 30-year daily newspaper career.
He began as a cub reporter with the Belleville Intelligencer and retired as a publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press, the only Indigenous person – and one of the few of Jewish ancestry or journalism background – to hold such a position in that industry.
Learning that Indigenous youths were statistically more likely to spend time in jail than graduate from high school was the epiphany that instructed Maurice’s future life choices.
His first job in an Indigenous environment was helping to develop the country’s only Indigenous post-secondary diploma program in journalism at the First Nations Technical Institute on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, birthplace of his maternal great-grandmother, Esther Hill.
Combining his media experience with a thirst for learning more about Indigenous cultures, Maurice became the Communications Director at the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa and then the Union of Ontario Indians outside North Bay, before retiring from full-time work in 2014.
Today, he continues the public education initiatives that he launched at First Nations political organizations. Over 15,000 copies are in print of his graphic novel “We are All Treaty People”, and he delivers virtual and real-time presentations about the treaty relationship for education, corporate, and government audiences across Ontario.
As chair of the Nipissing University Indigenous Council on Education, Maurice is a constituent member of the University’s Board of Governors as well as the President of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, a board member for the North Bay-Parry Sound Public Health Unit, and an advisory member of the board of the White Water Gallery.
He served for three years as a member of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and is currently a member of the commission’s Indigenous Reconciliation Advisory Group. In 2020, he was among a group of local residents who founded Equity and Inclusion North Bay, along with previous Influential Alumni Award recipient Gemma Victor.
In addition, he is an advisory circle member of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council of Ontario, and the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario, one of six members of the Alderville First Nation’s Williams Treaty Settlement Trust, and a board member of Lakefield College School where he was a scholarship student for his five high school years.
His son Adin and grandson Jacob are both captains in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Maurice Switzer’s Indigenous and Jewish heritages continue to inform the activities in which he involves himself.
- Dr. Jonathan Pitt
