Prof. Stenbaek awarded honourary doctorate from the University of Greenland

The Department of English congratulates Professor Marianne Stenbaek who has been awarded the prestigious title of honourary doctorate from Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland) in recognition of her research on and with the Inuit. The honour is given to individuals who have made "comprehensive and meaningful" contributions to research and research education at Ilisimatusarfik and who have "worked for the development of society in a considerable number of years." Below is an excerpt from the award ceremony, attended by Prof. Stenbaek on September 29: 

"For 50 years [Dr. Stenbaek has] described and disseminated the living cultural production of the Inuit in Canada, here in Greenland and across the Arctic. Through [her] research and dissemination, [she has] created a nuanced picture of literature, both novels and poetry, film production, visual arts and sculpture, which shows the strength of cultural production. [Dr. Stenbaek has] have always placed artistic expression in the larger context of social conditions, indigenous rights, colonial history and the right to self-determination.[…] [Dr. Stenbaek's] research is itself an active part of the cultural and political struggle for self-determination and indigenous rights.  [Her] work closely with indigenous peoples' organizations and facilitate contact between them and universities, especially McGill, but also with a large network to other universities in the Arctic, not least us here at Ilisimatusarfik. This collaboration is always characterized by [Dr. Stenbaek's] human warmth and commitment."