Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 11, 2018
• Invested on: March 14, 2019

Matthew Coon Come, O.C.
Mistissini, Quebec

Matthew Coon Come is a champion of Indigenous rights and self-determination. He has been a steadfast leader, first as grand chief of the Grand Council of the Crees and later as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Notably, he led the opposition against the James Bay hydroelectric project in the 1990s. More recently, he contributed to the drafting of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through his undeviating advocacy, he has not only been the voice of the Cree people, but has also inspired Indigenous communities across Canada and around the world.