Thomas R. Louttit was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 2 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, November 12, “in recognition of his wise leadership and gracious service to the community as an Elder and the inspiration he offers those he mentors and those privileged to witness his actions which constitute an honourable model of personal reconciliation and education.”
From 1953 to 1963, Mr. Louttit attended residential schools in Ontario and Quebec. In 1963, he was placed in the care of the Children’s Aid Society. As an adult, he moved to Toronto where he became a flat roofer, a career that would last 32 years. In 1994, he graduated from the Ontario Native Counsellors Program. He is a traditional Sweat Lodge Keeper and the Keeper of the Traditional Pipe.
Mr. Louttit is a respected Elder in the Ottawa community. The community relies on him for traditional teachings, counselling, spiritual guidance, traditional ceremonies, and land-based education and culture programs. Mr. Louttit regularly speaks to schools and community groups about his experiences within the residential school system and his personal healing journey.
In 2014, the Aboriginal Veterans of Canada presented him with the Queen’s Jubilee Metal. He is the father of Erica and Thomas Wilson (deceased), a grandfather of 17 and great-grandfather of two girls. He currently lives in Ottawa with his wife Pennie.