Celebrating Legends at Canada Leadership Summit 2024: Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E. to Receive the Nation Builders Legacy Award
Alex Ihama
Global Strategist, Executive Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author, Executive Director @ Canadian Congress, School of Greatness & Credit Union Transformation (25+ Years of Impact in 300+ Cities in 30+ Nations)
In an exciting and momentous announcement, the Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine, an iconic figure in Canadian history, will be receiving the prestigious Nation Builders Award at this year’s Canada Leadership Summit.
The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, where we will gather to honour Dr. Augustine and other remarkable leaders who have dedicated their lives to transformational leadership and social justice.
Dr. Augustine is widely recognized for being the first African Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons and for her landmark role in passing the motion that established February as Black History Month across Canada—a historic achievement that has continued to educate and inspire generations.
A trailblazer in every sense of the word, advocating tirelessly for equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada and beyond, yesterday was her 87th birthday which I was honoured to celebrate on Saturday alongside her friends and family in Toronto.
Her unyielding energy and commitment to social justice are nothing short of extraordinary. Even at 87, she continues to press on, to push boundaries, to stand up for what is right, and to gather people from all walks of life—regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, gender, or orientation—unifying them in the cause for justice and equality. Her leadership has created a legacy that is deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian society.
Dr. Augustine is rightly considered a national treasure, in Canada and globally. As a voice of reason in the highest places of authority, she has schools, roads, buildings, and numerous projects named in her honour.
However, what impresses everyone the most is not just her vast accomplishments, but the profound depth of her humility, love, compassion, and kindness. Despite her many accolades, she continues to make herself available to serve the community, lifting others and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Augustine has received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from seven universities. She also has been recognized by having the following named in her honour:
We invite everyone to join us to celebrate Dr. Augustine and other distinguished awardees at the 2024 Nation Builders Awards Gala. This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable night honouring those who have shaped and continue to shape our nation.
If you want to immerse yourself in a wealth of leadership experience and inspiration, register now at www.canadaleadershipsummit.ca.
Ladies and gentlemen and everyone else, the Canadian Congress kindly invites you to come and celebrate and network with Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and thirteen other nation builders we will be celebrating at this year’s Canada Leadership Summit & Nation Builders Award.
For more information, group tickets, media interviews, sponsorship and strategic partnership opportunities, visit https://www.canadaleadershipsummit.ca/ or email odessa@canadiancongressondiversity.ca.
Tickets are available now for purchase at the Canada Leadership Summit website.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of a true Canadian hero and to witness the power of transformational leadership firsthand.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 5, 2024, and secure your seat at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel to be part of this historic occasion!
ALEX IHAMA’S BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO MAMA JEAN
At eighty-seven, you shine so bright,
A beacon of justice, a guiding light,
Mama Jean, with a heart so grand,
You’ve shaped this nation with a gentle hand.
Your passion for justice knows no end,
On heaven’s fuel, you still ascend,
Accommodating, kind, and strong,
In your care, we all belong.
You’ve taught us love beyond the line,
To rise above, to care, to shine,
Bias, prejudice, you’ve helped erase,
With every act of gentle grace.
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At ninety, at a hundred more,
May your legacy continue to soar,
For Canada and the world still needs,
Your wisdom, care, and noble deeds.
As your adopted son, I stand with pride,
And on behalf of Canadian Congress,
We honour you, our leader true,
With the Legacy Award, long overdue.
To Mama Jean, to justice, to life,
May your years be joyful, free of strife,
Happy Birthday! With love from me,
And millions more across this land, you see.
Your son,
Nosakhare
The truth is that words would fail anyone who attempts to describe your legacy and the impact of your transformational leadership and social justice advocacy in Canada and beyond.
As I've shared countless times while introducing you at various events or speaking about you in my engagements, your humility, the breadth of your influence, and your unwavering commitment to serving others are truly extraordinary.
When I first heard you speak about 27 years ago, I was deeply inspired and thought how wonderful it would be to know and even be mentored by you.
Little did I know that God, Faith, and the Universe can answer unsaid prayers and make wishes come true that we are not bold enough to voice.
Today, I am honoured to call you "Mama Jean," a title that reflects my deep respect and admiration for you. Your wonderful daughters view me as a brother, and your bright grandchildren see me as an uncle.
In the bigness of your heart, Mama Jean, you have adopted countless younger generations like me, thereby, extending your legacy through millions of people all over the world.
In your quest for justice and equity, you know no bounds, thereby strengthening a legacy that will forever remain on the sands of time.
Therefore, it is with great joy, heartfelt sincerity, and humble respect that, on behalf of the Canada Congress—now a consortium of over 300 speakers, consultants, experts, and advocates—and our International School of Greatness, which touches millions of lives globally, I am thrilled to present you with our Nation Builders Legacy Award.
Since there is likely no award under the sun that you have not been given, we had to create this one specially for you. As I listened to Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard speak at our George Floyd Memorial Lecture in May about the impact you’ve had on her life, my spirit sparked the idea in me. I wondered how best to honour someone whom legendary leaders like Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard consider truly honourable beyond the title.
Thus, the Legacy Award was born. Henceforth, it shall be given to those the Nation Builder awardees consider the utmost honourable and befitting. As we look forward to celebrating with you and other awardees this year, allow me to be the first to say congratulations on this noble award, your 87th birthday and more.
We also use this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the following recipients of our Canada Leadership Summit and Nation Builders Awards 2024. We are deeply honoured by your humble acceptance of your respective awards and pray for more strength as you continue your amazing work.
For more info, visit https://www.canadaleadershipsummit.ca/.
Vice President Inclusive Entrepreneurship @ BDC | Driving Inclusion
3moOn this special day, I honor you and the countless lives you’ve touched, including my own. Happy Birthday, Jean Augustine! Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, and continued inspiration. Great soul ❤️ Jean Augustine #leadership #inclusivity #equity
Professor at Dalhousie University
3moHappy Birthday Mama Jean! See you soon!