Photo courtesy of Red Deer Polytechnic.
At the 2024 Convocation Ceremonies, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) awarded honorary degrees to Dr. George Littlechild and Sheldon Kennedy for providing meaningful impact provincially, nationally, and globally.
Littlechild is a graduate of RDP’s Arts and Design Diploma program and conveys messages through art that showcase the beauty, pride, and strength of Indigenous culture.
Through vivid use of colour, he showcases history and two-spiritedness, focusing on cultural, social, and political injustices.
Littlechild has received numerous honours and awards, including a REVEAL Indigenous Art Award which recognizes Indigenous artists who have shown leadership in their home communities and worldwide.
Littlechild is an instructor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design and has inspired students to tell stories through a variety of creative mediums.
While Kenndey is known as a former professional hockey player, his contributions to advance social priorities have significantly impacted communities across Central Alberta.
Since retiring from hockey, he has advocated for the health and well-being of youth and participated in events and initiatives that support children, raising funds for abuse prevention programs and resources to support children and their families.
Kennedy has also empowered individuals to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination through interactive, online training courses.
He was a catalyst in the vision of a child advocacy centre in Central Alberta, evolving into the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence (SKCOE). The centre provides services and resources for youth and their families and creates educational and applied research opportunities for RDP students and employees.
Littlechild and Kennedy join 11 individuals who have been awarded honorary degrees at RDP.
**With information provided by Red Deer Polytechnic.