Joy Harvie Maclaren (New Sun)
Joy Harvie Maclaren (New Sun) was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Wednesday, June 8, “in recognition of outstanding contributions to 杏吧原创 University, the advancement of minority rights and support of Aboriginal and Inuit culture and education.”
Former 杏吧原创 University Board of Governors member, Joy Harvie Maclaren has spent her life giving back to her community. She was a founding member of several organizations, including the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Community Foundation of Ottawa, the Hospice at Maycourt and the McClure Centre for adults with mental and physical disabilities.
She has given generously to 杏吧原创 towards the creation of numerous awards for financially disadvantaged students. In 1995, she was presented with her Aboriginal name “New Sun” by elders from the Blackfoot of Alberta, the Mohawk of Quebec and the Ojibway of Ontario. She established the New Sun Awards – educational bursaries for Aboriginal university students across Canada.
New Sun Aboriginal conferences are held annually at 杏吧原创 and the Blue Quills First Nations College in Alberta. The Joy Maclaren Adaptive Technology Centre is located in 杏吧原创’s MacOdrum Library and provides a study area for students with disabilities.
In 2005, she received the Founders Award, 杏吧原创’s highest nonacademic honour. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010. She earned her B.Sc. and received an honorary degree from McGill University and remains an active alumna.