AMS Leadership Awards

The AMS Leadership Awards are designed to recognize outstanding contributions made to the Society by students and staff. At least two members of the AMS Executive sit on the selection committees that determine the award winners – from leaders to leaders, these awards bring recognition to work that would otherwise go unnoticed or underappreciated.

The AMS Leadership Awards are the highest tributes granted to students on an annual basis. From time to time, and at the recommendation of the Executive, individuals with unparalleled contributions to the Society may also be granted the Honorary Life Membership or Honorary President titles.

AMS Staff or Letter Awards

AMS Equity Leadership Awards

AMS Leadership Award Descriptions

AMS Staff Award

The purpose of the AMS Staff Award is to recognize staff members employed by Queen’s University who consistently provide outstanding contributions,
directly or indirectly, to the learning and working environment at Queen’s University at a level significantly beyond what is usually expected.
All staff employed within the last 12 months, and who have been employed for at least 12 months (aggregate or continuously) at Queen’s.
At least two students must co-sign a nomination letter OR at least two separate letters must be submitted in support of a nomination. A maximum of five letters will be considered. The supporting/non primary or secondary letters can be made by any member of the Queen’s Community.

AMS Letter Award

To recognize a student who made an outstanding contribution to the Alma Mater Society and Queen’s University in the year that the award is granted, and who holds a position (or positions) that otherwise would receive little appreciation or recognition. The value of this award is $1,000.
To be eligible to receive this award, the nominee must be an undergraduate student who has paid their AMS membership fees.
At least two students must co-sign a nomination letter OR at least two separate letters must be submitted in support of a nomination. A maximum of five letters will be considered. The supporting/non primary or secondary letters can be made by any member of the Queen’s Community.

Robert Sutherland Prize

The Robert Sutherland Prize is awarded annually to two Black students who have shown leadership and initiative at Queen’s University, in the areas of anti-racism and anti-oppression in the aim of creating a more inclusive campus environment. The value of this award is $4,000.
Any undergraduate student may nominate themselves or another student. The winner must identify as Black.

Seven Grandfather Teachings Award

The Seven Grandfather Teachings Award is an award given annually to two Indigenous student who have shown leadership and initiative at Queen’s in the areas of anti-oppression and, Indigenization or Decolonisation, with the aim of creating a more just and inclusive campus environment. The value of this award is $1,000.
Any undergraduate student may nominate themselves or another student. The winner must identify as Indigenous.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

he Seven Grandfather Teachings, also known as the Seven Sacred Teachings, are traditional Indigenous teachings from the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) peoples. Each teaching represents a fundamental value that guides a balanced and harmonious life. These teachings are deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures and hold timeless wisdom that promotes individual well-being, community harmony, and environmental stewardship. They offer valuable guidance on how to live a meaningful and balanced life, fostering respect for oneself, others, and the world around us.

Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin/ Skennen’kó:wa): This teaching emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and truth. It encourages individuals to use wisdom to make thoughtful and informed decisions in their lives and interactions with others.
Love (Zaagi’idiwin/ Kaná:ta’): Love is at the core of this teaching, focusing on compassion, empathy, and care for oneself and others. It encourages showing kindness, respect, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings.
Respect (Mnaadendmowin/ Iakotsistáhtha): Respect teaches honoring oneself, others, and the environment. It emphasizes the value of treating all living things with dignity, recognizing the inherent worth and rights of each individual.
Bravery (Aakode’ewin/ Tyotkáhron): Bravery is about facing challenges, adversity, and fears with courage and integrity. It teaches standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations, and taking action with strength and determination.
Honesty (Gwekwaadiziwin/ Kanák:ien): This teaching stresses the importance of truthfulness, sincerity, and transparency. It encourages living authentically, being accountable for one’s actions, and fostering trust in relationships.
Humility (Dbwaadendiziwin/ Tioh:kwáre): Humility teaches the value of modesty, self-awareness, and humility. It emphasizes recognizing one’s strengths and limitations, listening to others with an open mind, and being willing to learn and grow.
Truth (Debwewin/ Kawenninóntie’): Truth is about living in alignment with one’s values and principles. It emphasizes honesty, integrity, and authenticity in all aspects of life, fostering harmony and balance within oneself and the community.