JULY 2008
Volume 11, Number 8
Eagle Feather News
is a division of
ACS Aboriginal
Consulting Services
By John Lagimodiere
For Eagle Feather News
From the roadside allowance to the upper echelons of Canada’s elite, the humble Maria Campbell has seen and done it all.
Her life of activism, writing and leading the Métis people has been rewarded by seeing her named as an Officer of the Order of Canada, our nation’s second highest honour.
Maria, a regular columnist with Eagle Feather News was shocked to find out, and quite emotional.
“First they call to see if you will accept being named to the Order,” said Campbell about the process.
“I said I would, then I never thought of it for a while. Then I received another call and they told me.My kids filled up my answering machine and wondered why I never told them. The thing was I didn’t know.”
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, recently announced 75 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include five Companions (C.C.), 26 Officers (O.C.), and 43 Members (C.M.), as well as one Honorary Officer. These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada.In a move that is also historic, the leaders of the Aboriginal groups were each allowed to speak in the House and have their statements recorded in Hansard, the living record of our Parliament. Cheers and applause rang out across Canada during each speech by every leader. It was truly a patriotic and unifying moment in Canadian history. Many leaders talked about now being able to heal and move forward.
There were three appointees from Saskatchewan. They were Lorne Scott, former MLAandMinister of the Environment. He was honoured for his work with the environment and named a Member of the Order. Also making the list as aMember of the Order was Rev.André Poilièvre, for his work with social services. Father Andre is well known in Saskatoon for his work with young men that are trying to exit the negative lifestyle associated with gangs.
Maria Campbell loves to share her talents with aspiring writers.
(Photo by John Lagimodiere)