On Sept. 22, 2016 Carleton University President Roseann O’Reilly Runte accepted a Canadian Premier International Education Award (CPIEA) in the School category which recognizes Carleton’s dedication to international education, global affairs, and its concerted efforts to highlight and publicize the plight of Ugandans through the Library’s Ugandan Asian Collection. The ceremony took place at the CPIEA’s gala event in Ottawa.
“It is an honour to accept this award on behalf of the Carleton community and for all those who dedicated themselves to this project,” said Dr. Runte. “During the Ugandan Asian expulsion, Canada opened its doors at a time of great need and welcomed a community that has enhanced our nation. It is important that we uphold our traditions of compassion and inclusiveness while we share the stories of those who lived through these events.”
About the Ugandan Asian Collection
In 1972, the president and military general of Uganda, Idi Amin, ordered the expulsion of all Ugandans of South Asian descent within 90 days. Canada responded to the international humanitarian need and resettled 7,000 refugees. The Carleton archive holds numerous personal stories from Ugandan Asian Canadians who recount their experiences of the expulsion and resettlement in Canada, as told recently in this portrait series.
Comprised of newspaper clippings, oral histories, video recordings and a memoir of the Canadian immigration team in 1972 Kampala, the collection recounts an important part of Canada’s history. Through ongoing acquisition activities, new material continues to be added.
About the Canadian Premier International Education Awards
The CPIEAs recognize efforts to improve the international education industry. The awards recognize organizations that uphold high standards of international education programming. The School category is focused on educational institutions that positively impact international students and their communities.
About Collaborate: The Carleton University Campaign
Leading up to Carleton’s 75th anniversary in 2017, the university launched Collaborate: The Carleton University Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s history. The campaign seeks to raise $300 million for students, faculty and researchers so they can further contribute to the good of society, its economy and institutions, and the health and well-being of people globally.
Friday, September 23, 2016 in Feature Stories