King Charles III’s Coronation Medals awarded to members of the Faculty of Education

Four King Charles III’s Coronation Medals were received by members of the Faculty of Education. The medals are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. Past Manitoba recipients of the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal include Gail Asper, Jennifer Jones, Murray Sinclair.

Daniel Swaka, Faculty of Education Doctoral Student

Daniel’s significant contributions in Winnipeg, in his role as executive director of the Peaceful Village Program, have become increasingly well-known for many years now. Daniel joined the PVP in 2011, shortly after the program began in two inner-city schools in Winnipeg with a combined enrollment of 40 students.

Since then, the program has flourished with current enrollment of around 1000 students across 8 locations in Winnipeg. Bringing together the efforts of contributing groups (funders, board of directors, principals, parents, teachers, students, and dedicated staff) to provide educational support and social connections in schools and the community, Daniel’s efforts have inspired marginalized youth, particularly immigrants and refugees, to realize their academic and personal potential.

Dr. Frank Deer, Professor at the Faculty of Education

Frank Deer was recognized for his outstanding contributions to advancing Indigenous engagement in academic and research settings. He led the first Tri-Academy Partnership on Indigenous Engagement: Research Summit on Cultural Heritage in an Era of Reconciliation that brought together Indigenous delegates—including students from multiple Canadian universities and Members of the Academies with expertise in fields such as social sciences, Indigenous water science, mathematics, fluid dynamics, social epidemiology, freshwater ecology, and wastewater treatment.

The conference set out three key objectives: to establish an international, Indigenous-led research agenda aimed at influencing public policy for the benefit of Indigenous communities; to ensure Indigenous student voices are integral to both the convenings and research efforts supported by meaningful international mentorship; and to provide leadership in reimagining how post-secondary institutions can form innovative, respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Dr. Frank Deer was recognized at a ceremony in Ottawa held by the Royal Society of Canada at Walter House.

Dr. Lucy Delgado, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education and Canada Research Chair in Michif and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer Education

Dr. Lucy Delgado, was presented with her medal from Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) President Melanie Omeniho at a ceremony in Ottawa.

As described in a recent LFMO publication (PDF), Lucy was recognized for her contributions as a community organizer who is involved in a variety of local and national groups, and is part of the Two-Spirit Michif Local of the Manitoba Métis Federation. She also serves on several boards, including Research Manitoba, the Tri-agency Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research, and Full Circle for Indigenous Education. Lucy is one of the creators and Circle of Editors of Pawaatamihk: Journal of Métis Thinkers, an open-access academic journal focusing on lifting up the voices of Métis scholars, artists, and community members.

Lucy Delgado receives an award from another woman on stage

Lucy Delgado received her award in Ottawa, ON this spring.

Karen Johnson, (B.Mus., B.Ed. 2007), Faculty of Education Alumna

Karen Johnson was presented at The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba by Premier Wab Kinew for her 17 years of service to the Winnipeg School Division and dedication to the Regimental Band of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

In Premier Wab’s words, “Each recipient reflects the spirit of Manitoba - a province where we come together to celebrate excellence, compassion, and the strength of our communities.”