Michael Loft Retires after nine years of service at McGill University
After nine years of service at McGill University, Michael Loft, Mohawk from Kahnawake, retired from his position as Academic Associate in the School of Social Work this past June. The focus of his work was raising awareness of Indigenous experiences, history and perspectives. Faculty, staff and students from across the University, including Provost and Vice Principal (Academic), Professor Christopher P. Manfredi and Hudson Meadwell, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, joined Michael to celebrate his retirement on June 16, 2016 at the Faculty Club.
Kanesatake Elder John Cree opened the event with a traditional kanien'keha (Mohawk) opening. Provost Christopher P. Manfredi presented Michael with an eagle feather in a beaded case. The eagle feather signifies high respect of a person and a marking of a special event. Social Work PhD candidate Ben Geboe, an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Nation, contributed the eagle feather, while MSW student Thomasina Phillips, Mohawk from Kahnawake, crafted the case.
Michael’s dedication to highlighting Indigenous issues at McGill was felt by many University-wide. In honour of his contributions, Nico Trocmé, Director of the School of Social Work, was pleased to announce a new title for Michael’s ongoing work with McGill: Tehsakonikonrakas, a Mohawk word which means "bringing minds together." The name was selected in consultation with Mohawk Elder Amelia McGregor, from Kahnawake. Michael’s retirement is not an end to his relationship with McGill but rather a transition. He will continue to offer advice and feedback to deepen the University’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and experiences in all facets of McGill’s academic mission.
Michael joined the School of Social Work in 2007. Along with Professor Nicole Ives and Oonagh Aitken, he is one of the founding members of Indigenous Access McGill, a support program for students in the School of Social Work that also partners on learning opportunities to raise awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues, history and culture amongst the McGill community.
Michael taught First Peoples’ Issues & Social Work and was integral in the development of Indigenous Field Studies, an interdisciplinary course held each May (with one week in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory).
We wish him all the best.