June Girvan
Lifetime Contribution
June Girvan, O.Ont., is a lifelong educator, community leader, and advocate whose work has transformed how Canadians understand and value the history, contributions, and rights of people of African descent. A passionate champion of social justice and inclusive education, June has dedicated her adult life to uplifting young people, preserving vital histories, and fostering reconciliation across communities in Ottawa and beyond.
Originally from Jamaica, June arrived in Canada in the 1950s and began a long career in education, serving as a teacher, education officer, and later a supervisory officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education. Following her retirement from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, she founded the J’Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre (JDEC), named in honour of her children. JDEC commemorates Canadian figures who opposed slavery and championed human rights and social justice, and it inspires new generations to carry forward what June calls our “North Star legacy.”
June has initiated and led numerous educational and community engagement programs under JDEC’s banner, including Every Child is Sacred, History in the Street, Reconciliation Day, and the Era 21 Networking Breakfasts for Young Canadians. Through these initiatives, she has empowered youth, advanced equity, and cultivated meaningful conversations about shared responsibility in multicultural societies. Her impact also extends to higher education: the June Girvan Bursary at Carleton University supports graduate students researching reconciliation-related topics.
As President of Black History Ottawa, a registered charity dedicated to promoting the history and contributions of Canadians of African descent, June has been instrumental in expanding the reach and relevance of Black history in the national conversation. Under her leadership the organization adopted the United Nations’ Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) throughout Ottawa, encouraging communities to recognize this legacy as a vital part of the Canadian story.
A co-founder of the Ubuntu Collective Ottawa June fosters dialogue and understanding around shared histories and collective humanity. Through the lens of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—she has helped countless individuals engage in reflection and action on equity, dignity, and belonging.
June’s achievements have been widely recognized. She was invested into the Order of Ontario in 2016 for her exceptional contributions to education and human rights. She has also received the Mayor’s City Builder Award (2018), the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s Community Champion Special Award (2014), the Martin Luther King DreamKeepers Award, and the OCDSB Excellence in Equity Community Award (2020). In 2024, she was honoured by the University of Ottawa Alumni Association for her leadership as a social justice activist, philanthropist, and community builder.
More than her titles and accolades, June Girvan is admired as a fount of historical and educational knowledge—a woman whose home was once described as a treasure trove of books and artifacts chronicling the Black Canadian experience. She is also a mentor, a “volunteer-in-chief,” and a guiding light whose deep compassion and integrity continue to shape and strengthen her community.
June’s life and legacy are a testament to the transformative power of education, memory, and unwavering commitment. She has not only amplified the voices of those too often forgotten in history—she has ensured they are remembered, honoured, and built upon by generations to come.
