Edith Cloutier, president of the Regroupement des Centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ), director of the Centre d’amitié autochtone of Val-d’Or and member of the advisory committee of the project The State and Indigenous Legal Cultures, was awarded with the Order of Canada,Canada's highest civilian honour.

Edith was appointed during an official ceremony presided by The Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on May 7th, 2014. This recognition is the continuation of a journey filled with achievements. In particular, Edith received the Ordre national du Québec in 2006 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award Public services category in 2010.

Edith believes that her achievements are the result of a collective effort. “I don’t consider that I deserve this honour more than anyone else because I meet people on a daily basis who shine and contribute to the reconciliation of Aboriginal peoples and I want to share this honour with them” said Edith. Dynamic and resourceful, Edith’s approach is based on the search for practical solutions in order to reach out to members of her community.

Member of the Anishnabe First Nation, Edith is celebrating her 25th anniversary as the director of the Centre d’amitié autochtone of Val d’Or. However, she considers that her role in this movement goes beyond simple management. Her objective is to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people. In her efforts to do so, she believes that being on the advisory committee of the project The State and Indigenous Legal Cultures will contribute to her objectives. “I joined the advisory committee of this project because we opened a door to a voice that is not normally present in this kind of research infrastructure. Although I am not a researcher, I am confidant that I can be useful and that I can bring a direct perspective, both provincially and on the field” highlighted Edith with pride.

We congratulate Edith and hope that she will continue to devote herself to the cause of Aboriginal people.