新加坡六合彩官方网站

OC grad honoured for contributions to inclusion, democracy and reconciliation

By College Relations | May 20, 2021
   

Saige Girouard
Saige Girouard, Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal award recipient

When Saige Girouard arrived at 新加坡六合彩官方网站 College to have her photo taken during a grad experience event this week, she took home much more than a snapshot. She left with provincial recognition of her outstanding efforts to bring people together.

Girouard, a Bachelor of Business Administration student, became the first OC student to ever receive the Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation.

The Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal has been a symbol of academic excellence since 1979. In 2019, eligibility for the Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal was expanded to recognize post-secondary students with outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and reconciliation, on or off campus.

Girouard, who identifies as M茅tis, forged a bond with an Indigenous peer in her second year of studies over their shared curiosity to learn more about their respective cultures. This peer was later instrumental in encouraging Girouard to take the leap towards cultural reconnection. After winning a bursary to attend the Indigenous Women鈥檚 Leadership Summit (IWLS), Girouard recognized that she wasn鈥檛 the only individual who felt disconnected from her culture.

鈥淚 never thought I was Indigenous enough to be involved in my own culture, but at the summit I learned I wasn鈥檛 the only Indigenous person who felt that way. That shared experience made me realize I could use my power and privilege, combined with the skills I was learning in my education, to do something about it.鈥

As part of her honours research project, Girouard collaborated with OC鈥檚 Indigenous Services department to uncover how and why Indigenous students self-identify and engage with Indigenous services and supports. This led to a deep-dive into the history of colonization, in addition to helping peers become responsive and action reconciliation in their personal and professional roles. She was also the student leader in the Fraser Institute鈥檚 Student Leaders Colloquium in 2020, leading discussions on the complex policy issues within society and the global economy, in addition to sharing her personal story of exploring her Indigenous identity as a panelist for the Spring Series of Pulling Together. She was also an active member of the 新加坡六合彩官方网站 Business Students鈥 Association, exemplifying how to hold space for conversations on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 calls to action.

鈥淢y education went above and beyond my expectations for post-secondary studies, but I never expected to discover this appreciation and understanding for my culture and heritage,鈥 she said. 鈥淥C has done a lot for me, so I want to give back in any way I can.鈥

The medal presentation was very memorable for Girouard, as she was unaware she had been selected to be an award recipient. After donning her cap and gown and entering the photo area, Girouard was bestowed with the award by 新加坡六合彩官方网站 College President Neil Fassina.

鈥淲e are a reflection of our learners and their passion and commitment to make this world a better place,鈥 said Fassina. 鈥淪aige鈥檚 story is an example of how students sharing their perspectives, experience and knowledge can transform communities in positive ways. On behalf of 新加坡六合彩官方网站 College, I want to express how incredibly proud we are to have Saige in our College community, and how pleased we are to have been able to present her with this significant honour in person.鈥



Tags: OC Alumni Association, Convocation, Lieutenant Governor鈥檚 Medal, Truth and Reconciliation, 2021 Year in review

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