TORONTO — Ontario has recognized 14 residents for leadership and contributions spanning racial equity, mental health research, Indigenous creative writing, accessibility and civic education at the province’s annual Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards.
The awards, presented at the Art Gallery of Ontario, honour the legacies of five former lieutenant governors: Lincoln M. Alexander, Hilary M. Weston, James Bartleman, David C. Onley and Elizabeth Dowdeswell. Each program recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to communities and public life across Ontario.
“So many of today’s recipients are people who are already leading with purpose, in their schools, their communities and their fields of study,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Their determination and generosity of spirit are exactly what these five legacies were meant to inspire, and I have every confidence they will go on to inspire others in turn.”
Ontario Recognizes Leadership Across Five Award Programs
Three recipients received the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, established in 1993 to recognize young people demonstrating leadership in eliminating racial discrimination: Jahvaun Green-Chapman, Ebiehiremen Rejoice Okonowele and Kimora Lee Harris-Taylor.
The Hilary M. Weston Scholarship, which recognizes graduate-level social work students contributing to mental health research, was awarded to Nadjla “Naj” Agahbanaei and Uppala Chandrasekera.
Four young writers — Damian-James Waindubence, Taylor Goodfellow, Nate Traintinger and Jewelianna Corbett — received the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award.
Amandipp Singh, Max L. Brault and Angeline Redford were recognized with the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility, while educators Alex Au Yong and Michelle Munk received the Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education.
Recipients Highlight Impact of Provincial Recognition
“Receiving the Lincoln Alexander Award means carrying forward a legacy of leadership and change. I am incredibly honoured and thank God for trusting me with this assignment and will continue to fiercely advocate for the women and children I support,” said Kimora Lee Harris-Taylor.
Nadjla “Naj” Agahbanaei said the Hilary M. Weston Scholarship carries particular significance after returning to education as a mature professional.
“I’m honoured and proud to receive this academic and professional recognition. I am passionately committed to my studies and to advancing health equity and mental health, making this recognition that much more meaningful. For years, I questioned whether I could return to school as a mature professional. I never imagined I would reach this point or to be recognized in this way. This moment reminds me that it is never too late to pursue your goals and make an impact. I only wish my parents were here to share this moment with me. Thank you, Hilary M. Weston Scholarship, for recognizing my efforts.”
Alex Au Yong highlighted the role of education in strengthening civic participation.
“I am honoured to receive the Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education. It is a privilege to collaborate with professional colleagues at Pickering College to innovate and enrich our civics curriculum. I take great delight in seeing students engage purposefully with elected leaders and officials at all levels of government to deepen their learning and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond the classroom.”
New Hal Jackman Award to Recognize Excellence in Public Art
The ceremony also included the announcement of the Hal Jackman Award for Excellence in Public Art, created in tribute to Ontario’s 25th lieutenant governor, Henry N.R. “Hal” Jackman. The new award will recognize individuals and groups whose public art demonstrates creative excellence and has a transformative impact on communities.
“I am deeply honoured by the creation of this award. Public art has a remarkable ability to enrich our communities and become part of the life and identity of a place. I am pleased that this award will recognize and celebrate artists whose work contributes meaningfully to the public realm across Ontario,” Jackman said.
“Through their exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to service, these recipients have made a profound impact on communities across Ontario,” said the Honourable Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “I am especially pleased about the introduction of the Hal Jackman Award for Excellence in Public Art, in honour of our 25th Lieutenant Governor. May his transformative work and legacy continue to enrich Ontario’s cultural and civic life.”
Annual Awards Highlight Community Contributions Across Ontario
The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont, joined by Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho and Minister of Education Paul Calandra.
The Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards are presented annually to recognize people whose work has made a difference in their communities. In 2025, Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism promoted more than 45 recognition program ceremonies celebrating over 6,400 recipients.
Nominations for the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award, David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility and Elizabeth Dowdeswell Award for Advancing Democracy Through Education close on May 31 each year.
The 2026 recipients reflect the awards’ broad focus on community service, inclusion, education, creativity and leadership, while the addition of the Hal Jackman Award expands the program’s recognition into public art and its role in Ontario’s cultural and civic spaces.