University helps language students

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PETERBOROUGH - One Aboriginal Aboriginal language student at Trent University will receive a $500 award in January 2003.

The Ottawa firm, Brascoupe Peters & Associates, donated the Sarah D. Patterson Award for Aboriginal Language Studies to the university. The award was established in memory of Sarah Patterson-a Mohawk of the Bear Clan who spoke four languages: Mohawk, Cayuga, Tuscarora and English. It will be given to an upper-year or graduate student who demonstrates academic excellence and financial need.

"This award is a way my company can give back to the Aboriginal community and honor my grandmother who taught me to be proud of my Aboriginal culture," said Wanda Brascoupe, the company's president.

As for the students, "This award will be extremely important in providing encouragement to students who want to study languages," said David Newhouse, chairman of the Native Studies department.

The candidate to receive the award is selected by the Native Studies department, where 45 students currently are learning Ojibway and 12 students are learning Mohawk.