When Ieronhenehtha Lazore proudly walked across the stage at the University of Ottawa’s 2024 convocation ceremony, she was not just accepting a diploma; she was carrying forward a family legacy. The young graduate, who hails from the Mohawks of Akwesasne, earned her honours bachelor’s degree in communications, following in her mother Shannon’s footsteps, who graduated from the same Faculty of Arts in 2001.
A cross-border education decision
Growing up, Ieronhenehtha had the option of attending high school in Massena, New York, where she studied from Grade 3 through to Grade 12. However, when it came time for university, she felt a strong pull towards Canada. “For me, going to a Canadian university was a much better option. I didn’t want to continue school in New York State. I wanted to study in Canada,” she reflects. The abundant resources for Indigenous students in Canadian universities was a significant factor in her decision.
Starting university life during a pandemic
Ieronhenehtha’s university journey began during the pandemic: she spent her first year learning virtually from her childhood home. In her second year, she marked her physical presence on campus making uOttawa history by being the firstIndigenous student to conduct a smudging ceremony in her dorm room, after Policy 124 “Provision for Indigenous Ceremonial Practices” was updated to include communal spaces on campus. Smudging is a tradition that involves burning sacred medicines for purification, which set a positive tone for her education and connected her to her roots in her new home-away-from-home. It remains a standout memory for Ieronhenehtha. “That was a major part of my total experience at university. It felt like home then. This was my first time stepping away and living away from my family and my people. It brought a bit of my culture into my new home,” she reminisces.
“[Smudging] was a major part of my total experience at university. It felt like home then.”
Ieronhenehtha Lazore
— Bachelor in communications
Building an Indigenous community on campus
Ieronhenehtha joined the Indigenous Students Association (ISA) early on and found herself among a small but dedicated group. “At first, we were just hanging out, determining how we could bring change to the campus. There were only seven or eight of us when I first joined,” she recalls. Under her ISA co-presidency in later years, the group grew to about 30 members, encompassing diverse Indigenous communities.
One of Ieronhenehtha’s proudest moments as ISA co-president was speaking at Chancellor Claudette Commanda’s induction celebration. “It was such an honour to be part of the ceremony. We thanked the Chancellor for her contributions to the University and its Indigenous community,” she says.
Mom Shannon Lazore’s journey as a pioneer in remote learning
Although different, the educational journey of Shannon Lazore, Ieronhenehtha’s mother, mirrored her daughter’s in unexpected ways. Both studied and graduated from the Faculty of Arts, Ieronhenehtha in 2024 from Ottawa and Shannon in 2001, from the Cornwall campus. Both spent much of their time learning virtually, albeit using widely different technologies. Shannon started her classes one course per term, teleconferencing remotely with 20 students at uOttawa’s Cornwall campus in a room set up with a large screen and speakers. She balanced her studies with work and raising a young daughter. “I had to make it work. I wanted to get an education, keep my job, and take care of my little one,” she says. Shannon’s perseverance paid off, leading to a career that began in the field of education and is now in social services and child protection at Akwesasne Child and Family Services. Ieronhenehtha recently began a communications position at the First Nations Market Housing Fund.
A memorable convocation
The 2024 convocation was a profound and emotional family celebration for the Lazores. Ieronhenehtha crossed the stage in a custom ribbon skirt adorned in uOttawa colours, garnet and grey, with a beaded belt featuring symbols of her Mohawk heritage and name: She Bends the Sky. Her family, dressed in coordinated ribbon regalia, looked on proudly.Shannon beamed with pride as she watched her youngest child achieve a milestone that signifies not only personal success, but also the continuation of a tradition. “I’m so very proud of her. My girl is very special,” Shannon exclaimed. As Ieronhenehtha crossed the stage to receive her diploma, Chancellor Commanda stood with open arms to hug her, followed by President Fremont shaking her hand.
Both mother and daughter embody the spirit of tradition and strength. Congratulations to these two extraordinary women.
Indigenous Affirmation
We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded.
We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home.
We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future.