Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 29, 2004
• Invested on: September 09, 2005

Rita Deverell's career in journalism has been one of pioneering innovation and creativity. With an unceasing drive for social justice, she is one of the first Black women in Canada to be a television host and a network executive. Since the 1970s at CBC Regina, she has focused on telling the stories of those whose voices are not often heard. A founder of Vision TV, the world's first multi-faith and multicultural network, she held several senior positions there as well as the network anchor job. Until recently head of news and current affairs at the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, she is currently a senior advisor. An inspiring mentor and teacher, she serves as a role model for young journalists and audiences alike.