Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 26, 2011
• Invested on: November 04, 2011

Shirley Bear has made influential contributions to New Brunswick's cultural landscape. As an activist, curator and artist, she has helped to raise the public profile of Aboriginal artists. Her own paintings are admired for celebrating the wisdom, strength and spirituality of First Nations women. She is also a long-time advocate for the rights of Indigenous women in Canada, and is a role model and inspiration to members of her community.