Gov. Gen. Mary Simon has announced 83 appointments to the Order of Canada — a list that includes doctors, activists, artists and economists.
Pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne has been made a member of the order to mark both her career success and her work supporting people with serious illnesses and disabilities. The Napanee, Ont. native has been open about her battle with Lyme disease.
Cree actress, producer and advocate Tina Keeper of Winnipeg, who will also be named a member of the Order of Canada, is taking the honour as a chance to reflect on her roots.
“My late father, who just passed last year at the age of 94, was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1992,” she said. “It feels like a very special honour for me.”
Keeper is perhaps best known for starring in the 1990s CBC drama “North of 60,” but was also a member of Parliament, and has since moved to producing, including the comedy “Acting Good.”
“I’m grateful for all these opportunities I’ve had to be part of partnerships in trying to move Canada along into reconciliation,” she said. “That has always been important. It was important to my parents.”
Also on the list is Christi Belcourt, a Metis visual artist, environmentalist and social justice advocate who devotes much of her time to supporting Indigenous language revitalization. Many of her intricate artworks can be found in public art collections across North America, Rideau Hall said.
Other new members include;
Fort Smith NWT Elder Jane Rose Dragon, for maintaining and sharing traditional knowledge and skills with the next generation, notably in the creation of Indigenous garments.
Richard Kelly Miskokomon, Chief of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and former grand chief of the Anishinabek Nation.
Solomon Ratt from Regina. He is a storyteller, educator and author dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Cree language.
This year’s class of honorees will be invested into the Order at ceremonies in the coming months.
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