SLIS students receive COPPUL Indigenous Student Awards 2023/24

The School of Library and Information Studies extends warmest congratulations to MLIS students Mikaela LeBlanc and Myles Shingoose for receiving the COPPUL Indigenous Student Awards for 2023/24!

This award provides financial support to library, archival or information science students who are Indigenous to Canada (i.e. First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and reside in Western Canada. Recipients are awarded $22,000, and in the following year are automatically eligible to receive another $22,000 to complete their degree.

Mikaela is in her second year of the Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of Alberta. She is one of the Indigenous Interns with the University of Alberta libraries, gaining experience in public service and project work. Mikaela is a Métis woman; originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Mikaela first moved to Edmonton for her undergrad, completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History. She is excited to be working in the areas of her interest, information and history, and looks forward to building her career.

Myles is a member of the Cote First Nations on Treaty 4 land. He holds a Master’s in History through the University of Saskatchewan, completed the OCAP Fundamentals training through the Algonquin College, and is currently working towards a Master of Library and Information Studies degree through the University of Alberta while working full-time at the University of Saskatchewan Library. Myles spent two years working at the Saskatoon Public Library in Interlibrary Loan and Outreach and Access services before moving to the University of Saskatchewan Library, a member of COPPUL, where he spent the last five years in Interlibrary Loan and in the Indigenous Studies Portal (I-Portal). His work on the I-Portal has allowed him to continue his historical scholarship while contributing to highlighting Indigenous focused scholarly resources. He was part of the I-Portal team that created a new logo and website for the portal in 2022. After completing his degree, Myles intends to continue working for the University of Saskatchewan Library, gaining more experience in other departments and positions in order to be a better prepared candidate for librarian positions that present themselves.

Myles is also the 2024 recipient of the Saskatchewan Library Association's (SLA) Indigenous Student MLIS Education Bursary.