George Brown College (GBC) mourns the recent passing of Pauline Shirt – respected Guiding Elder, Order of Ontarian, and ‘Grandma Pauline’ to the many students, employees and alumni she guided during her time with us.
“Elder Pauline Shirt's impact on and contribution to the GBC community is profound and will always be cherished,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of GBC. “She served as a beacon of support to many, generously sharing her cultural knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and guidance. More than just a leader, Grandma Pauline illuminated our path with profound insights and a gentle spirit, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Elder Pauline Shirt's teaching, way of being and knowledge sharing will live on with all of us who she has touched.”
Pauline's presence was felt deeply in the GBC community through her hosting of cultural sessions and annual speeches at our festival. Her leadership, guidance, and scholarship in Indigenous cultural and traditional teachings created a legacy among Indigenous learners that will never be forgotten. She played a foundational role in implementing GBC's Indigenous Education Strategy, helping ensure that learners have what they need to achieve Mino-Bimaadiziwin ('a good quality of life').
“Her life was a testament to kindness, compassion, and patience, qualities that will continue to guide us as we navigate the future of our college,” said David Wolfman, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Her legacy is one of inspiration, reminding us to walk forward with empathy and understanding for all. Let us honour her by embracing care, empathy, and kindness, echoing her teachings: ᐋᐧᓭᔮᐤ ᐸᐢᑭᔮᑫᐤ (wâsêyâw paskiýâkêw) - ‘Light Will Win.’ She often urged us to ‘Show it with the work.’ May we uphold her legacy by living out those words.”
Elder Pauline came to GBC with more than 50 years of contributions as a Knowledge and Wisdom Keeper, an early champion of Indigenous education, and a community activist.
In 2022, Elder Pauline Shirt was inducted into the Order of Ontario – the province’s highest civilian honour, for a lifetime of contributions. A Cree Plains Elder from the saddle Lake in Alberta, Red-tail Hawk Clan, Elder Shirt co-founded Kâpapâmahchakwêw - Wandering Spirit School in 1976. The school began in Elder Shirt’s home before being recognized by the Toronto District School Board. Over the years it has expanded to provide Indigenous-embedded education for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
As a community activist, Pauline helped organize the Native people’s caravan to Ottawa in 1974 to demonstrate support of land and water rights of Indigenous people. She held a degree in sacred Indigenous Knowledge, and in 1984, she founded the first Indigenous holistic practitioner’s clinic, Red Willow.
We extend our sincerest condolences to Luana, the Shirt family, and all who held Pauline dear. May cherished memories and her advocacy for Indigenous voices, language revival, and understanding provide comfort and inspiration.
For students requiring counselling support, appointments can be made with George Brown College Counsellors between Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 pm. You may also call Hope for Wellness (1-855-242-3310), supportive counselling for Indigenous people across Canada - or the Good2Talk helpline (1-866-925-5454) to access free and anonymous support for students in Ontario, 24/7, 365 days a year. After hours Community resources can be found at georgebrown.ca/current_students/counselling/urgent_contact.
GBC employees are also welcome to use the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Elder Pauline Shirt speaking at George Brown's National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, June 21, 2022.
Elder Pauline Shirt (left) at the George Brown College Pow Wow, 2015.
A portrait of Elder Pauline Shirt painted by Cree artist Kent Monkman. The portrait was included in Monkman's Being Legendary exhibit that ran at the Royal Ontario Museum from October 2022 to April 2023.
