Here is more about our esteemed alumni recipients, from the City of Ottawa website.:
- Dr. Danielle Lussier, LLB ’07, LLM ’08, Law PhD ’21.
Dr. Lussier is a legal scholar, the Director of Community and Indigenous Relations, and Professor of Indigenous Legal Orders at the Faculty of Law. Her work to centre Indigenous Legal Pedagogies and ways of knowing in legal education is revolutionizing the teaching of law in Ottawa and across Ontario. Dr. Lussier’s approaches to teaching and learning support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in engaging both heart knowledge and mind knowledge; as she often says, if you are only learning with your head, you are only understanding half the story.
Dr. Lussier’s efforts advance the critical work of reconciliation through community building, while also supporting Métis intellectual self-determination and decolonization of education systems.
- Daljit S. Nirman, LLM ’02.
Mr. Nirman established a law practice in 2004 that focused on human rights and immigration matters, but often chose to offer his services pro-bono to members of marginalized communities of South-Asian diaspora. He recognized that many of these individuals did not have access to professional legal representation, through a combination of limited means, a poor understanding of the legal system as well as language, cultural barriers, and prejudice.
Mr. Nirman has been a devoted and passionate community builder and advocate. He has taken on a variety of causes ranging from mental health, addictions treatment, community safety and youth poverty. Mr. Nirman was appointed as Member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, where his legal mind, courage, humanity, and profound sense of social justice have helped to guide an organization that is central to the well-being of Ottawa’s citizenry and measure for justice in our community.
Upon his induction to the Order of Ottawa, Daljit S. Nirman dedicated the honour to his professors and the staff of the Common Law Section. In his words they “assisted and guided me at a time when I needed it the most.” Since starting his private practice, Mr. Nirman has hired summer and articling students from uOttawa Common Law only and reinforced their training and experience by strongly encouraging them to actively engage in philanthropic and fundraising endeavors.
Our congratulations to these two! This recognition, particularly during such challenging times, is a true testament to their leadership, hard work and compassion for others.
For more information about the recipients of the Order of Ottawa, please visit the City of Ottawa website.