Recognition for dedication, global leadership

Dr. Shauneen Pete, David Wessel and Wilma Bell-Wessel were recognized for their dedication and leadership in global and Indigenous education at the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation Global Citizen Awards in February.

“At first I was surprised to have been nominated for the award and as I found out more about it, and about the organization, I was very honoured,” said Pete, an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina, who also serves as the executive lead on Indigenization.

“The selection committee asked some very interesting questions, which made me think about what it means to be a global citizen and for me it goes back to the teachings of the Elders and our responsibility to respect and care for each other, not just in our immediate family, but in the larger community and globally.”

The Wessels have trained teachers in Africa and Jamaica and have committed their lives to supporting many agencies involved in social justice, refugee support, and human rights work. Established in 1990 the awards recognize Saskatchewan people who have made exceptional contributions to international development, cooperation, peace and justice.