A recognition shared with an entire community

Collège Nordique is proud to highlight the awarding of the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Angélique Ruzindana Umunyana. Her deep, compassionate, and unwavering commitment has left a lasting mark on our institution and on the broader Franco-Ténois community.

As former Chair of Collège Nordique’s Board of Directors, Angélique played a key role in the evolution of the College. With attentiveness, vision, and a deep understanding of northern realities, she helped guide our institution not only strategically, but also with a profoundly human touch—during pivotal moments in our development—while helping to elevate our mission across our networks and in the broader public sphere.

“Angélique has embodied exemplary commitment to Francophonie and education in the North. Her presence on the board was a tremendous asset to Collège Nordique. This national recognition is truly well deserved, and the entire team is proud to see such a dedicated individual honoured so rightfully.”
— Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director, Collège Nordique

The official ceremony was held on February 28. When Angélique first received the letter announcing her nomination, she thought it must have been a mistake.

“I was convinced my name would be lost among so many others.”

Out of respect for the process, she filled out the required documents without expecting any further news. But just a few days before the ceremony, the official invitation arrived. On the day of the event, as she listened to the impressive journeys of the other recipients, doubt crept back in—until the Prime Minister read her biography.

“Hearing my language—the language of my Franco-Ténois community—resonate in that solemn room moved me deeply. It felt as though, through me, my entire community was being honoured.”

For Angélique, the medal represents a powerful form of personal, cultural, and communal validation:

“In that moment, I felt that I truly belonged. This recognition allowed me to finally see that what we do with heart for our community carries weight, even if it often goes unnoticed. I wasn’t seeking a career achievement—I was seeking recognition of my Franco-Ténois identity, and of the love I carry for this community.”

Beyond her role at Collège Nordique, Angélique has contributed to numerous initiatives, often out of the spotlight. One particularly meaningful experience was her 18-month involvement in a working group on postsecondary education in the North:

“We worked to design structures that reflect the North’s cultural, linguistic, and geographic realities. That process helped me realize just how powerful education is as a tool for transformation—and how essential it is for local voices to be heard and respected.”

In closing, Angélique offers a message of humility and generosity:

“Volunteering isn’t always visible or recognized, but it carries immense human value. Feeling like you’re contributing—even in small ways—to the well-being of your community brings a kind of joy that can’t be bought. And sometimes, that quiet gift ends up being recognized. That’s an unexpected, but deeply precious reward.”

This honour rightly highlights the lasting impact Angélique has made—and continues to make—within our community. Collège Nordique offers its heartfelt thanks for her inspiring journey and wishes her a future filled with meaningful projects, peace of mind, and beautiful surprises—true reflections of her generosity and dedication.