Statement: Carleton Rescinds Honorary Doctorate of Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond

February 24, 2023

Carleton University has rescinded the honorary degree awarded to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 2019. In accordance with the university’s policies and procedures, the University Senate passed the motion to rescind on February 24, 2023.

The recommendation from the Senate’s Honorary Degrees committee followed a process that included consultations with the university’s Indigenous Education Council and a careful review of all the information publicly available. The evidence that emerged about disputed claims to both Indigenous identity and academic credentials/accolades was deemed to outweigh the accomplishments that originally warranted granting the degree.

Carleton’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to better relationships with Indigenous Peoples on- and off-campus is operationalized in our Kinàmàgawin (Learning Together) Indigenous strategy, which was approved by both Senate and the Board of Governors in 2020. The implementation of the 41 Kinàmàgawin Calls to Action is an ongoing priority for the university.

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Carleton Newsroom