Wafaa Tariqui Recipient of the 2026 Diversity and Inclusion in Education Gem
March 13, 2026
Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord is proud to announce that Wafaa Tariqui, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer, is the recipient of the 2026 Diversity and Inclusion in Education Gem. This distinction, presented at the closing gala of the provincial conference Résolutions 2025/2026 – “Overcoming Racism Together”, recognizes her leadership and dedication to creating more welcoming and representative school and workplace environments.
With a background in human resources, Ms. Tariqui has been serving as Interim EDI Officer since the beginning of the school year. In a short time, she has successfully translated the Board’s strategic intentions into concrete actions, including revising the 2025–2030 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and leading a large-scale sociodemographic survey. Her work fosters courageous conversations around systemic issues while providing guidance to build inclusive spaces where every student and staff member feels valued.
“We are extremely proud of Wafaa. She goes far beyond managing files to truly build bridges. Her expertise in recruiting and supporting staff from immigrant backgrounds, combined with her systemic vision and deep empathy, positively influences the practices of Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord. She remains an inspiring figure of inclusion for our entire school community, and we are sincerely grateful,” said Director of Education Carl Dussault.
An active representative with the Sudbury Local Immigration Partnership and a collaborator with various immigration networks and organizations across Northern Ontario, Ms. Tariqui has demonstrated strong initiative, particularly during National Immigration Week and Black History Month. For her, this distinction reflects a collective success that strengthens her commitment to celebrating diversity in all its forms.
“Receiving this Gem is a great honour that encourages me to continue this work of building connections. Having personally experienced the immigration and professional integration process, I understand the importance of a warm welcome and a supportive environment. Every journey, regardless of origin, deserves to be valued. At Grand Nord, diversity is a strength and a true driver of success,” said award recipient Wafaa Tariqui.
We would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2025–2026 Gemmes Awards: Ms. Rachel Miteo, Gemme for Diversity and Inclusion in Economics; Ms. France Gélinas, Gemme for Political Innovation for Equity; and Ms. Maryse Bermingham, Gemme “Lifetime Achievement.”
Recognized for its keen sense of innovation and openness to the world, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord offers a French-language public education of the highest quality in fifteen elementary schools and eight secondary schools in the communities of Markstay, Noëlville, Greater Sudbury, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Longlac and Thunder Bay.
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Information:
Communications Office
Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord
communications@grandnord.ca
705-671-1533