Wilfrid Laurier University

Congratulations to Sir George Herbert Beardshaw on being awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at today’s ceremony!

At 102 years old, Beardshaw is recognized as the last surviving British Home Child in Canada and is one of the last surviving veterans of the Queen’s Own Rifles.

During the Second World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army with the Queen’s Own Rifles, landed on Juno Beach after D-Day, fought in Normandy and was later captured in The Netherlands. Beardshaw was held as a prisoner of war for 28 days in 1945. After the war, he made his home in London, Ont.

He was awarded the French Legion d’honneur in 2022 and granted an honorary knighthood for his role in liberating France. Beardshaw has been a passionate advocate for British Home Children and Canadian Armed Forces members his entire adult life.

City of Brantford and Wilfrid Laurier University will host a film production in and around Laurier’s Post House residence (41 George St., Brantford) from June 10 to 12.

During filming, there will also be increased activity in the Student Centre and One Market, which will serve as holding areas for cast and crew.

Filming activity will impact access to some streets, Laurier parking lots and municipal parking spaces.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/XUQN50Z8YLg

Every summer, the people of Kakisa, Northwest Territories welcome Laurier students to come and collaborate on a long-term community gardening project. Climate change is making it difficult for the community to access traditional food sources.

“There are lasting friendships with some of the students that we form,” says Chief Lloyd Chicot of Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation. “They learn from us and we learn from them.”

The partnership exemplifies “reconciliation in action,” says Laurier researcher Andrew Spring.

“Part of truth and reconciliation is learning about Indigenous peoples across Canada, and here our students are immersed within the community,” says Spring. “Students learn a lot about the issues that communities face, while also helping find solutions to significant, pressing challenges in the North.”

Scroll through a photo essay to learn more: https://ow.ly/8OIN50Z4su6