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Mr. John Kim Bell

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Order of Canada

  • Officer of the Order of Canada

    Awarded on: 1997-04-17
    Invested on: 1997-10-22
    His on-going, dedicated leadership continues to foster pride in Native culture. With the Canadian Native Arts Foundation firmly established, he went on to launch the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards to salute the accomplishments of Native people in a variety of fields. Largely because of his vision, the annual awards not only build individual self-esteem but also focus positive attention on a significant segment of the population in a celebration of the spirit of Indigenous people. This is a promotion within the Order.

  • Member of the Order of Canada

    Awarded on: 1990-10-25
    Invested on: 1991-04-17
    One of a new class of Amerindian hero, he had a distinguished career as a symphonic conductor before suspending his musical activities to found the Canadian Native Arts Foundation to provide funding and professional development opportunities in the arts for native people. Totally dedicated to this endeavour, he is an excellent role model and powerful symbol of broken stereotypes whose vision, energy and commitment are an inspiration to native youth.