List of honourees recognized for indigenous work by Gov. Gen. David Johnston
OTTAWA — Gov. Gen. David Johnston acknowledged the importance of indigenous leadership Monday as he presented a number of awards during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. Here is a list of those honoured:
Sylvia Maracle, of Toronto, was named an officer of the Order of Canada. As executive director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, she has transformed the organization from a handful of reception hubs for migrating Indigenous Peoples into more than two dozen culturally grounded centres of community building.
Gord Downie, of Toronto, was named a member of the Order of Canada. The frontman of The Tragically Hip for 30 years, Downie was recognized for his devotion to promoting dialogue, raising awareness of the history of residential schools and moving the country along the path to reconciliation. Downie’s band mates — Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair — have also been named members of the order and are to receive their citations at a later date.
Jacqueline Guest of Bragg Creek, Alta., was named a member of the Order of Canada. An author with strong Metis roots, she has been a staunch advocate of youth and adult literacy in Canada and abroad.