Internationally Canadian artist Loreena McKennitt and Toronto hip-hop artist, author and educator Duane D.O. Gibson are amongst the new recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada.
In advance of Canada Day, on June 26, Governor General Louise Arbour announced 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including 4 companions, 19 officers and 38 members. Five appointments represent promotions within the Order.
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours. It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the nation. Since its creation in 1967, nearly 8,800 people from all sectors of society have been appointed to or promoted within to the Order.
According to the official description, McKennitt was appointed because ''she has enriched and represented Canadian culture at home and abroad through her music. She has championed artists, supported military families as an honorary colonel, and fostered community through the Falstaff Family Centre and Wise Communities Stratford. Her leadership in public dialogue, reconciliation efforts and civic engagement have strengthened Canada."
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Gibson's citation reads ''Duane D. O. Gibson is a globally recognized Guinness World Record-setting hip-hop artist, author and educator whose empowering music, books and youth programs have reached over 4 000 schools. Founder of Stay Driven, he motivates students nationwide through messages of resilience, leadership, literacy and positive decision‑making, blending artistry with meaningful social impact.''
The author of three books, Gibson is also the founder of the Black Canadian 365 educational initiative as well as the Northern Power Summit conference and leadership platform.
Also named a member was Jean-François Rivest, Professor Emeritus at Université de Montréal,. He is described as ''a virtuoso violinist and conductor who has performed in hundreds of concerts worldwide with some of Canada’s most prestigious ensembles, including the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. A true mentor, he has launched several youth-centred educational initiatives, including the Orchestre de l’Université de Montréal and École LUMI.''
Other notable members of Canada's other artistic communities include actor Michael J. Fox, who is "in a remarkable chapter of his life" including advocacy and honesty about living with Parkinson's.
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Niv Fichman is a veteran producer and founder of Rhombus Media who was honoured for his film work, including with The Red Violin, Enemy and BlackBerry.
Duke Redbird is an important figure in Indigenous art, poetry and music. He is described as ''an Elder and member of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation who has been a defining voice in Indigenous arts and thought for more than 60 years. Through poetry, visual art and spoken word, he highlights the enduring bond between people and the land, and has influenced creators, educators and communities across Canada and beyond.''
Vicki Adams Willis, a leader in jazz dance, was also appointed a member, as was Obsidian Theatre co-founder Philip David Boothe Akin, an actor and director who has shaped Canadian TV and theatre fro nearly 50 years. Chris Cran, a visual artist, was also honoured. Acoustics researcher Floyd Edward Toole was honoured in part for "his innovative loudspeaker measurements and NRC facilities [that[ spurred Canadian loudspeaker manufacturing, and he advanced room acoustics and loudspeaker standards."
