Gov. Gen. Julie Payette invested Windsor Law professor Beverley Jacobs as a member of the Order of Canada in a ceremony May 10 at Rideau Hall.

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognizing achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Close to 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

“I accepted to bring honour to the spirits of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and to show to my grandkids that whatever they dream to do will come true,” said Prof. Jacobs, who was described as a champion for Indigenous rights. As the lead researcher of the pioneering Stolen Sisters report — an Amnesty International Canada initiative — she helped bring the stark reality of violence against Indigenous women and girls to public attention.

Her citation notes that Jacobs’ dedication to raising awareness of the plight of Indigenous women and girls is also reflected in her academic appointment within the Faculty of Law and in her community involvement.

—Rachelle Prince