Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 21, 2020
• Invested on: October 20, 2022

Elder Doreen Spence, O.C.
Calgary, Alberta

Cree Grandmother Doreen Spence has contributed to world peace through her teachings of unconditional love and reconciliation. One of the first Indigenous women in Canada to graduate as a licensed practical nurse, she has advocated for Indigenous peoples’ rights, leading to local-to-global systems change in health care, education, justice and social services. As our country’s representative and presiding Elder to the United Nations Working Group of Indigenous Populations, she helped draft the declaration that established global human rights standards. She continues to share her traditional knowledge for the benefit of all people.