ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin College student receives CICan gold award for Indigenous advocacy

Algonquin College Social Service Worker student Stephania Smith has received gold in the "Leadership Excellence Award for Students" category at Colleges and Institutes Canada's (CICan) 2024 Awards of Excellence.

These awards serve to recognize the excellence found in Canada's colleges, highlighting important contributions to Canadian economic, social and cultural development.

Smith's contributions during her time at Algonquin College have included remarkable volunteer, community and advocacy work. Notably, she created the Indigenous Student Committee for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at the Pembroke Campus.

"The strongest impact was actually getting involved in culture and being able to bring that together while going to school," said Smith. "Interacting with other people in my class [and] other peers... and recognizing that they would like to have more cultural experiences going on within the school."

She also took a leadership role in an Indigenous Culture Camp as part of the College's Mamiwi Maadaadizi Project - an effort to enhance Indigenous education, spaces and services in Pembroke - and joined the campus' Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee, where she gained a deeper understanding of the College's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. She accomplished all of this while also excelling academically, maintaining a consistent 3.9 GPA.

Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé joined Smith during the ceremony, applauding her for her impressive achievements and work as an advocate at the College.

"Since starting her studies at our Pembroke Campus, Stephania has served as a passionate voice for our Indigenous learners," said President Brulé. "On behalf of Algonquin College, I offer our heartfelt congratulations to Stephania. We are all very proud of what you have accomplished!"

"I am honoured to receive this CICan excellence award," said Smith. "My time at Algonquin College has been transformative, providing me with the opportunity to express my ideas for change. I've built strong relationships with both the College and the community, and I look forward to continuing my work with the College and community partners."