Laval University made its own history on June 18 when Salima Autut Thibault stood proudly holding the university's mace at this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 graduation ceremony.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel so honoured,SA国际影视传媒� said Thibault in an interview with Nunavut News. She is the first person of Indigenous heritage to fulfill the ceremonial role in the 172-year history of the Quebec City university. The position is an honour awarded to a graduate who has made a significant impact on student life, and represents the student body as a whole. Historically, the mace-bearer was present to protect the people of significance on stage. It is now a ceremonial position of high honour, given to someone who exemplifies SA国际影视传媒済ood morals and values.SA国际影视传媒�

Thibault, who comes from Rankin Inlet, graduated with a bachelorSA国际影视传媒檚 degree in the digital arts. She said she's eager to visit the Kivalliq now that she is free of student commitments. In addition to maintaining good grades, she was also student council vice-president and later president, as well as helping to make student films and put on the Gala Basa, an annual SA国际影视传媒淥scars-like eventSA国际影视传媒� at the university, where student films are celebrated and recognized by judges from the industry. It averages attendance of 800-900 people, showcasing about 120 films.

ThibaultSA国际影视传媒檚 family in Nunavut, as well as Alberta and B.C., were able to watch the graduation ceremony digitally. Her next steps are a long trip to Europe and applying for her masters in digital arts at top universities in France and the United Kingdom.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel very proud for the whole community,SA国际影视传媒� she said of her Nunavut heritage, also thanking the Kivillaq Inuit Association (KIA) SA国际影视传媒渨ho had sponsored me throughout my studies with funding. They allowed me to focus wholly on my studies... it was a good day at the ceremony. A big day for First Nations, Inuit and the Metis community. I feel very honoured to be a part of the University of LavalSA国际影视传媒檚 history.SA国际影视传媒�