Kingston’s Danielle Lussier Honoured with Ontario's Highest Civilian Award

Recognized for Groundbreaking Work in Indigenous Education and Law

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, has announced 29 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2024. 

Among the esteemed recipients is Danielle Lussier of Kingston, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to legal and post-secondary education in Ontario.

Danielle Lussier, a proud Red River Métis and citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, serves as Queen’s National Scholar and the inaugural Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives at Queen’s University. Her work has been transformational, bridging Indigenous knowledge systems with academic frameworks to foster inclusivity and equity.

In addition to her role at Queen’s, Dr. Lussier chairs the Indigenous Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario, which supports the organization’s 68,000 members on issues related to Indigenous representation and access to the legal profession. Her dedication to advancing Indigenous perspectives in education and law has left an indelible mark on the province and beyond.

The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour, awarded to exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact at the provincial, national, or global level. This year’s honorees come from diverse fields, including public service, medicine, business, technology, sports, the arts, and more. Recipients embody the finest qualities of Ontario’s residents and serve as a testament to the province’s vibrant and innovative spirit.

Dr. Lussier’s recognition underscores the critical importance of her work in championing Indigenous voices and fostering pathways for equity in education and the legal profession.