Order of Canada Investiture

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Smiling recipients surround the Governor General before the evening gala dinner.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Maggie Hodgson, O.C.Edmonton, Alberta

A member of the Carrier First Nation, Maggie Hodgson is a leader in the fields of Aboriginal health and justice, and reconciliation. Her profound commitment to addiction awareness has guided people to wellness and has influenced communities, in Canada and abroad, to address this vital social issue. For 15 years, she served as Chief Executive Officer of the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute, which launched the first Healing Our Spirit Worldwide gathering in 1992. Since then, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have hosted this important international movement.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Mary J. May Simon, O.C., O.Q.Manotick, Ontario

Mary Simon has played a leading role in strengthening ties between Canada’s Northern people and the people of Arctic regions around the globe. As Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, she was the principal architect of the Canadian northern policy. Her leadership, perseverance, and ability to build consensus were instrumental in securing international cooperation and in creating the Arctic Council and the University of the Arctic. In addition, she has been deeply committed to young people in her roles as Chair of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation and as Chancellor of Trent University.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Pierre Viens, O.C.Neuville, Quebec

Professor and physician specializing in infectious and parasitic diseases, Pierre Viens has over 200 papers and publications to his credit in the fields of health and international cooperation. He led numerous special missions to Africa under the umbrella of international organizations and provided health care and counselling to the citizens of many African countries. He also was a medical consultant to the Institut Cardinal Léger contre la Lèpre in Haiti. In 1993, the Regroupement des étudiantes et étudiants en médecine de l’Uniersité Laval set up the Prix Pierre Viens pour projet humanitaire, to recognize humanitarian projects. A genuine altruist, he spent the first 10 years of his retirement volunteering with palliative care patients at the Maison Michel Sarrazin.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Jack Chiang, C.M.Kingston, Ontario

A popular columnist with The Kingston Whig-Standard, Jack Chiang is also an invaluable volunteer. He spends many hours a week helping charities in the greater Kingston area and is particularly devoted to the Salvation Army, the United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club. He has been chair or honorary chair of most major fundraising campaigns in his community, helping to raise millions of dollars. A vital contributor to Canadian culture, he is also recognized for his superb photographs, which have been published in four books, including Images of Kingston and Celebrating Ontario.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Christopher Harris, C.M.Ottawa, Ontario

For more than 40 years, Christopher Harris has advocated for the equitable treatment of visible minorities. A founding member of the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, the Community Police Action Committee, and the Ottawa-Carleton Immigrant Services Organization, he has assisted a myriad of social agencies in becoming more reflective of the communities they serve and protect. As a volunteer, he works in collaboration with the Ottawa Police Service and the RCMP to promote compassion, understanding and mutual respect between police and visible minorities.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Ms. Elizabeth Jennings received the insignia of her late father Peter Jennings.

Peter Jennings, C.M. (deceased)New York, U.S.A., and Ottawa, Ontario

Peter Jennings was one of North America’s best-known broadcast journalists. As anchor and senior editor of ABC’s World News Tonight, he was recognized for his commitment to excellence and to setting the highest standards in his field. For decades, he tackled the most difficult news stories from around the globe with his trademark compassion, wisdom and integrity. At every opportunity, he was a proud spokesperson for our country and lent his unwavering support to many Canadian organizations. Throughout his career, he was one of our most outstanding ambassadors.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Jean-Louis Major, C.M.Saint-Isidore, Ontario

Jean-Louis Major is a tireless promoter of Quebec and French-Canadian literature in Canada and abroad. A professor emeritus at the University of Ottawa, he has led the Corpus d’éditions critiques for over 20 years. The goal of this inter-university project is to prepare and publish significant works of Quebec literature, from its origins until today. He was also the driving force behind the Bibliothèque du Nouveau Monde, which has today become the standard for critical editions. The author of several books and of the collection of stories entitled Mailles à l’envers, he has also had a hand in numerous collective works. His erudition and generous spirit have contributed to enriching Canada’s cultural heritage.

The Governor General of Canada presided at an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006.

Cornelius Nutarak Sr., C.M.Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Cornelius Nutarak is a role model within his community and a guardian of Inuit customs. As a teenager, he began collecting stories from his family and elders and has since amassed a record of local life dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. He has visited classrooms to teach time-honoured skills such as how to recognize and interpret weather patterns, how to locate and hunt wildlife and how to prepare skins used for traditional clothing. He has also shared his knowledge through his frequent presentations on the radio. This respected elder has played a vital role in preserving the Inuit language and in celebrating the culture of Arctic peoples. Fri, 10/06/2006 - 12:00 Cpl Issa Paré, Rideau Hall DSC0072