AMS Leadership Awards
The AMS Leadership Awards are designed to recognize outstanding contributions made to the Society by students and staff. The Selection committees that determine the award winners are composed of various student leaders in their respective communities – from leaders to leaders, these awards bring recognition to work that would otherwise go unnoticed or under-appreciated.
The AMS Leadership Awards are the highest tributes granted to students on an annual basis. From time to time, and at the recommendation of the Executive, individuals with unparalleled contributions to the Society may also be granted the Honorary Life Membership or Honorary President titles.
AMS Staff Award
The purpose of this award shall be to recognize staff members employed by Queen’s University who consistently provide outstanding contributions, directly or indirectly, to the learning and working environment at Queen’s University at a level significantly beyond what is usually expected.
All Queen’s University staff members, full-time or part-time who are employed on a continuing basis or on a term contract for twelve months or more shall be eligible for nomination. Occasional part-time or term employees may be eligible if their aggregate service exceeds one year. Any staff member employed by Queen’s in the last twelve months shall be eligible to receive this award.
Please note that AMS permanent staff members are not eligible for this award.
Two students must make a nomination, and any member of the Queen’s Community may submit supporting nominations with a maximum of five (5) letters of support that each do not exceed 1500 words.
*A maximum of two awards may be awarded in the Winter Awards Period.*
AMS Letter Award
To recognize a student who made an outstanding contribution to the Alma Mater Society and Queen’s University in the year that the award is granted, and who holds a position (or positions) that otherwise would receive little appreciation or recognition.
Any student who is considered a member of the Alma Mater Society and who has paid the AMS membership fee in the year of their nomination.
Two students may make a nomination, and any member of the Queen’s Community may submit supporting nominations with a maximum of three (3) letters of support. Nomination letters must not exceed 1500 words.
*A maximum of two awards may be awarded during the Winter Awards Period.*
Robert Sutherland Prize
The Robert Sutherland Prize is awarded annually to two Black students who have shown leadership and initiative at Queen’s University, in the areas of anti-racism and anti-oppression in the aim of creating a more inclusive campus environment.
Any student who is considered a member of the Alma Mater Society and who has paid the AMS membership fee in the year of their nomination.
Any student at the University may submit a nomination for themselves (self-nomination) or another student.
The nominee must self-identify as Black.
Nomination information packages will be available for students to nominate for the next award selection cycle, and will include:
The relationship of the person submitting the nomination to the nominee.
What values guide the nominee’s work, and how they demonstrate passion for combatting inequity and anti-Black racism (if applicable)
How the nominee has demonstrated a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression at Queen’s, above and beyond the norm.
Examples of innovative approaches the nominee has used to address issues of anti-Black racism, oppression and discrimination.
How the nominee grew from the experience and how it informs their present and future work.
Examples of how the nominee has inspired others to get involved in anti-oppression work or social justice causes.
For self-nominations, nominees will be asked the following additional information: At least two file uploads, containing testimonial letters, expressing the impact of the work done by the nominee.
Who Robert Sutherland was and what he means to the nominee?
The nominee will be expected to provide the name and contact information of an individual(s) who can verify information provided.
Optionally, the nomination may include media content (photos, videos, etc.) showcasing the work or works of the nominee as supporting pieces.
Seven Grandfather Teachings Award
The Seven Grandfather Teachings Award is an award given annually to two Indigenous students who have shown leadership and initiative at Queen’s in the areas of anti-oppression and, Indigenization or Decolonisation, with the aim of creating a more just and inclusive campus environment. The Seven Grandfather Teachings, also known as the Seven Sacred Teachings, are traditional Indigenous teachings from the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) peoples. Each teaching represents a fundamental value that guides a balanced and harmonious life. The teachings are as follows:
Any student who is considered a member of the Alma Mater Society and who has paid the AMS membership fee in the year of their nomination.
Any student at the University may submit a nomination for themselves (self-nomination) or another student.
The nominee must self-identify as Indigenous.
Nomination information packages will be available for students to nominate for the next award selection cycle, and will include:
The relationship of the person submitting the nomination to the nominee (if applicable)
Confirmation that the nominee meets eligibility criteria.
The values that guide the nominee’s work and demonstrated passion.
A history of the nominee’s equity work at the Queen’s Community, and how their contributions supported the communities they served.
How the nominee grew from their experience(s) and how it informs their present and future work and understanding of anti-oppression.
For self-nominations, nominees will be asked the following additional questions:
What do the Seven Grandfather Teachings mean to the nominee, and how they show up in their life.
At least one (1) file upload, containing testimonial letters, expressing the impact of the work done by the nominee.
For nominees nominated by peers, the following additional questions will be asked:
How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression at Queen’s, above and beyond the norm?
Share examples of how the nominee has inspired others to get involved in anti-oppression work or social justice causes.
What pushed you to nominate this individual for this award and how do they align with the Seven Grandfather Teachings?
The nominee will be expected to provide the name and contact information of an individual(s) who can verify information provided.
Optionally, the nomination may include media content (photos, videos, etc.) showcasing the work or works of the nominee as supporting pieces.
Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin/Skennen’kó:wa): This teaching emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and truth. It encourages individuals to use wisdom to make thoughtful and informed decisions in their lives and interactions with others.
Love (Zaagi’idiwin/Kaná:ta’): Love is at the core of this teaching, focusing on compassion, empathy, and care for oneself and others. It encourages showing kindness, respect, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings.
Respect (Mnaadendmowin/Iakotsistáhtha): Respect teaches honoring oneself, others, and the environment. It emphasizes the value of treating all living things with dignity, recognizing the inherent worth and rights of each individual.
Bravery (Aakode’ewin/Tyotkáhron): Bravery is about facing challenges, adversity, and fears with courage and integrity. It teaches standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations, and taking action with strength and determination.
Honesty (Gwekwaadiziwin/Kanák:ien): This teaching stresses the importance of truthfulness, sincerity, and transparency. It encourages living authentically, being accountable for one’s actions, and fostering trust in relationships.
Humility (Dbwaadendiziwin/Tioh:kwáre): Humility teaches the value of modesty, self-awareness, and humility. It emphasizes recognizing one’s strengths and limitations, listening to others with an open mind, and being willing to learn and grow.
Truth (Debwewin/Kawenninóntie’): Truth is about living in alignment with one’s values and principles. It emphasizes honesty, integrity, and authenticity in all aspects of life, fostering harmony and balance within oneself and the community.
These teachings are deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures and hold timeless wisdom that promotes individual well-being, community harmony, and environmental stewardship. They offer valuable guidance on how to live a meaningful and balanced life, fostering respect for oneself, others, and the world around us.
