DOROTHY A. WILLS
ANNOTATED AWARDS
The Order of Canada was established as the centerpiece of our system of honours on July 1st, 1967. “The Order of Canada pays tribute to Canadians who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries. Those who strive for the betterment of their immediate communities or devote their talents to special causes stand with people who have gained high distinction on the national and international scene. There are no posthumous appointments to the Order and the number of persons who can be appointed is limited by the Constitution.”
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The Citation: “ Her dedication to her profession as a social worker and educator, as a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and to the cause of justice and equality for all ethnic minorities, especially racial minorities, has been outstanding. She played a monumental role as a founding member of the National Black Coalition of Canada and has spent her lifetime energizing the Canadian Black Community with dignity and pride, proving that an individual can, indeed, change society for the better.” (Page 27, “Investiture of the Order of Canada, Rideau Hall, October 18, 1989.”) Jeanne Sauve, Governor General of Canada.
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The Order of Canada (1989)
Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal
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The Accompanying letter read as follows: “On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, I am pleased to award you the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal, created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne.
In granting you this honour, I thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada. The contributions you have made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration, of your fellow Canadians, to which I add my own. I wish to convey to you heartfelt congratulations.”
Signed: David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.
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Mount Saint Vincent University
Jubilee Medal of Distinction Award
The Minister Award for Excellence
in Race Relations. 1989
Black Theater Workshop –
Martin Luther King Junior Award of Excellence. 1972
Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoriss Causa, Mount Saint Vincent University, Rockingham, Nova Scotia, 2007
The Citation read by S. Brigham reads in part:
“Dr. Wills is the embodiment of a true lifelong learner and educator. She is a committed volunteer, a national leader in the Black community, an energizing role model, an advocate for the rights of visible minorities and women, and a champion of social justice. With the wisdom of experience and deep understanding of critical issues affecting our society, Dr. Wills has worked with sensitivity and humility to be an agent of social change.
Dr. Wills was born in Dominica, West Indies, was formally educated in Dominica and Grenada, and received her Bachelor of Science at MSVU in 1956, her Master’s degree in Social Work at McGill University, a Master’s in Arts degree at Concordia University and her Ph.D. at Pacific Western University.
Just a few of her commitments included teacher at the High School, CEGEP and University levels, a college administrator, a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, a founding member of the National Black Coalition of Canada, a founder of the Conference Committee of Black Organizations, and also within that organization served as the National Chairperson, Executive Secretary and Public Relations Officer. She served in an executive capacity in other community organizations such as The Negro Citizenship Association and the Quebec Board of Black Educators, and was a member of the Canadian Consultative Council for Multiculturalism in Canada.
Dr. Wills states that one of the most important principles for which she has spent her life honouring is one that was taught to her by the Sisters at Mount Saint Vincent University. The principle is: “To do the best that we are capable of doing without expectation of reward. If and when a reward surfaced it was always a surprise, not an expectation.”
We are honoured to have her share this ceremony with the Education Graduates today. Her work is an inspiration to others and demonstrates that an individual can indeed change society for the better.
In recognition of her distinguished career as an educator and administrator, and her significant contribution to the Canadian Multicultural Community, I ask you, Madame Chancellor, in the name of the Senate of Mount Saint Vincent University, to confer on Dr. Dorothy Green Wills the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.
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HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS
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Montreal Council of Women – member
Coloured Womens Club of Montreal - member
Ryerson University, Honourable mention, 2019
In 2019, the following letter was received from Ryerson University:
“Dear Dr. Dorothy Wills,
We have the pleasure of naming our 2019 Viola Desmond Faculty Award in your honour. Every year, for the past eleven years, we recognize hardworking and talented women in our community while raising awareness of the diverse and little known stories and contributions of past and present women of African descent who helped build our country.
In selecting our honourees we look for women who, through their work and philanthropy, have enriched Black History and made a positive difference in areas such as human rights, multiculturalism and community building. We look for women who are advocates for those without a voice. We also seek to honour community builders who have uplifted people of colour in Canada.
Through your work you highlight the role that race plays in our society, and your consistent championing for the voiceless and underprivileged regardless of race, gender, class and ability. You serve as a role model to whom all women, especially our women of colour, can aspire. You are a trailblazer and your journey has paved the way for other Black women to follow your path. We are honoured to name this year’s Ryerson Faculty Award after you.
As Ryerson University continues to be a leader in equity, diversity, and inclusions, we pride ourselves on recognizing those who exemplify these values. We thank you for your contribution and we look forward to your continued engagement and empowerment of the Black Community.
Sincerely,
Mohammed Lachemi
President and Vice Chancellor
Denise O’Neil Green
Vice-President, Equity & Community Inclusion.”
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Community Organization Awards
Awards have been received from the following commuity organizations.
Dominica Association of Montreal
Guyana Association of Montreal
Jamaica Association of Montreal
Jamaica Women’s Group
National Black Awards of the National Black Coalition of Canada
Vanier College Special Care Counseling Program
Vanier College Women’s Studies Program
Harry Jerome Awards