We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Q and A with John Friedlan

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness? Who knows. Here are some things I really like and can make me pretty happy:

My family
Star Trek
Peter, Paul, and Mary
Hiking and being outside
The Montreal Canadiens
Running
Cookies and chocolate
Satellite radio
A big salad

What is your greatest fear?

People will find out that I don’t really understand revenue recognition.

Where do you like to vacation or spend your free time?

A long, hard hike, through mountains. Last summer I hiked from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland over 13 days. It was spectacular. In the summer of 2015, I’ll be hiking the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. I can’t wait. Bonus: I’ll be doing the Peru trip with one of my boys.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Alex and Evan Friedlan. After that, it would be the development and success of the UOIT Accounting program. I am hugely proud of our accounting instructors, our graduates, and our students who have made the program a success. In barely 10 years the UOIT program stands with any other in Canada. I guess my textbook is pretty cool too.

If you died and came back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

Ferdinand Jones or a big tree near a big mountain.

What is your most treasured possession?

Things aren’t that important to me. I have a glass bowl that I have my breakfast every morning. I’m kind of fond of that. The rain jacket I use on my hiking trips that keeps me warm and dry is pretty important. Probably most important though are pictures of people who have been important in my life and pictures of the places I’ve been to.

What is your motto?

Live long and prosper.