Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 12, 2016
• Invested on: May 12, 2017

The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, C.M., O.N.B.
Fredericton, New Brunswick

For his contributions to the people of New Brunswick as a lawyer, judge, lieutenant governor and Indigenous leader.

Graydon Nicholas has built bonds between the citizens of New Brunswick. A former legal advisor and president of the Union of New Brunswick Indians, he advanced initiatives to improve conditions in First Nations communities. Appointed New Brunswick’s first Indigenous judge and later, its first Indigenous lieutenant governor, he used these roles to champion better education for Indigenous youth and respect for Indigenous traditions. This role model continues to speak out on issues of importance to his community, including the preservation of Indigenous languages and the need for reconciliation.