Two 91ÑÇÉ« alumni are among the 2026 recipients of awards from the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) for their meaningful contributions to equity, social justice and women’s and gender studies.
The RSC presented 17 awards to eminent Canadian scholars, artists and scientists in recognition of their outstanding contributions to knowledge and impact in Canada and around the world.
The Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize was also awarded to 24 law students who demonstrate exceptional potential to advance equity and social justice in Canada.
Adele Perry – J.B. Tyrrell Historical Medal
Perry received her MA (’92) and PhD (’98) from 91ÑÇɫ’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She is the recipient of this medal, awarded for outstanding work contributing to the history of Canada.
A leading historian, Perry has helped reshape understandings of colonialism in Canada. She serves as Distinguished Professor of history and women’s and gender studies at the University of Manitoba and directs the Centre for Human Rights Research.
For more than 20 years, her work has focused on bringing together extensive archival research with feminist and decolonial perspectives to explore how history can contribute to a more equitable society.
Christina Rajkumar – Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize
Rajkumar earned her JD (’26) from 91ÑÇɫ’s . She is the recipient of this award, presented annually to one graduating student from each Canadian law school who is most likely to influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally.
Her commitment to social justice is reflected in a range of roles, including advocating for individuals facing social assistance and health-related issues through Parkdale Community Legal Services, examining mental health cases at CAMH and supporting youth-focused legal education programs with Law in Action Within Schools and the Ontario Justice Education Network.
Rajkumar is now articling with the Ministry of the Attorney General's Justice Centres initiative.