Companion

The Honourable Serge Joyal, P.C., C.C., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

A senator for more than two decades, Serge Joyal has chaired important committees, supported major legislative and institutional initiatives, and helped build the Upper Chamber’s tangible heritage. A guardian of our parliamentary democracy, he has intervened before the courts to champion the principles of the Charter and published several books and articles on constitutional law, history and culture. By donating thousands of works of art and artifacts, he has also supported the development of museums in Canada and abroad.
This is a promotion within the Order.

Officers

Joséphine Bacon, O.C., O.Q.
Montréal, Quebec

Poet, Innu-aimun language teacher and acclaimed cultural ambassador Joséphine Bacon has been showcasing her community for decades. Her award-winning works, in French and Innu-aimun, explore Indigenous identity and the environment. A community researcher since the 1970s, she celebrates her culture and language through collaborations on documentaries, films, television series and songs. She champions Indigenous rights and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge in Quebec and around the world.

William Arthur Stewart Buxton, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Bill Buxton is a renowned expert in the science and practice of human-computer interaction. His research and groundbreaking innovations, including touchscreen interfaces, multi-touch devices and video conferencing, have impacted academia and industry, and have significantly contributed to improving the experience of how we interact daily with technology. A motivating mentor and advocate of human-centric design principles, he has helped secure Canada’s reputation as a leader in this field.

Chang Keun Choi, O.C.
Surrey, British Columbia

C. K. Choi is a pioneer and grand master of tae kwon do. He was the first Korean tae kwon do champion and two-time Korean mixed martial arts champion (1962). He taught tae kwon do in the Korean Army and in Malaysia, before coming to Canada in 1969. Since then, he has dedicated decades to teaching and promoting this martial art on a national and international scale.

Wenona Giles, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Wenona Giles is a professor emerita and senior scholar of anthropology at York University’s Centre for Refugee Studies. An authority in migration studies and the anthropology and geographies of refugees, she has had an impact on our understanding of forced migration and the challenges faced by evacuees. She is esteemed for creating transformational programs, notably for women in conflict zones, and higher-education opportunities for displaced persons living in camps.

Donald William Hayley, O.C.
Peachland, British Columbia

Donald Hayley is one of Canada’s leading permafrost engineers. A cold region geotechnical expert, he has contributed to the development of the Canadian Arctic, which has benefited communities and the economy. His groundbreaking innovations include sloped thermosyphons, Canada’s first frozen core dam, and the design and construction of safer winter ice roads.

Réjean Hébert, O.C.
Sherbrooke, Quebec

Geriatrician Réjean Hébert’s research has advanced the autonomy of seniors and people with disabilities in Canada. He founded the Research Centre on Aging at Université de Sherbrooke and the Institute of Aging at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He also developed and implemented the world‑renowned Program of Research to Integrate the Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy (PRISMA) to maintain continuity in health care for senior citizens.

Richard W. Hill Sr., O.C.
Ohsweken, Ontario

Rick Hill is a member of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation and a leading knowledge specialist at the First Nation Technical Institute. A historian and museum curator, he has led a 40-year campaign to repatriate wampum to their original Haudenosaunee owners and makers. He is also celebrated at Hamilton’s Mohawk College for educating new generations of Indigenous learners in Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous intellectual, social, political and artistic traditions.
This is an honorary appointment.

The Honourable Louise Imbeault, O.C., O.N.B.
Moncton, New Brunswick

Louise Imbeault is a dedicated champion of the Acadian community. As a journalist and long-time director with Radio-Canada, she established cultural partnerships and led the 2007 renaming of the regional station to Radio-Canada Acadie. President of Bouton d’or Acadie publishing house, chancellor of l’Université de Moncton, and mother of four, she has also supported multiple causes through the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Coalition for Pay Equity and the Société Nationale de l’Acadie.

Firdaus Kharas, O.C.
Ottawa, Ontario

Firdaus Kharas is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian and global thought leader. Founder, chair and executive producer of Chocolate Moose Media, he develops documentaries, animation and video content to address social issues, including human rights, climate change and violence reduction. His media projects have been created for organizations like the United Nations and UNICEF, and are accessible to audiences around the world.

Linda Jane Manzer, O.C.
Almonte, Ontario

Luthier Linda Manzer is revered globally for her artistry and innovation. Her unique, multi-necked guitars and acoustic designs make her a leading figure in the industry and have garnered her an esteemed clientele of musicians. Museums have showcased and commissioned pieces for their exhibits, and her Group of Seven Guitar Project elevated Canadian artistry worldwide. The first woman to achieve international acclaim as a luthier, she mentors and inspires the next generation.

Kent Monkman, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario

Acclaimed artist Kent Monkman reimagines the history of Canadian art through an Indigenous lens. Drawing inspiration from classical works, his bold and provocative paintings, films and performances address the devastating multigenerational impact of colonialism and create awareness on the enduring struggles faced by Indigenous people. An influential force in contemporary art, he volunteers with museums to shift the predominant narratives surrounding Indigenous culture while honouring the resistance and resilience of Indigenous people.

Paul Myles O’Byrne, O.C.
Ancaster, Ontario

Paul O’Byrne has helped transform asthma management. His research and clinical findings have resulted in new, innovative medications and treatments, reducing mortality rates and improving quality of life for people with asthma worldwide. Professor, dean and vice-president of Health Sciences at McMaster University, he is equally renowned for his leadership, his visionary approach to university administration, and his dedicated mentorship of specialists in training.

The Honourable Steven Lewis Point, O.C., O.B.C.
Chilliwack, British Columbia

Esteemed leader and mentor Steven Point has had an inspirational career. In addition to serving as chief of the Skowkale First Nation, he was a provincial court judge, the first Indigenous lieutenant governor of British Columbia, and the first Indigenous chancellor of the University of British Columbia. He has championed education and has given back in myriad ways to his own First Nation community, to the province and to Canada.

Saroj Saigal, O.C.
Hamilton, Ontario

Saroj Saigal has helped shape the field of neonatology. She is internationally renowned as the first researcher to examine the lives of extremely premature infants from a qualitative perspective and is praised for this humanistic approach. She has shifted attitudes towards preterm infants and increased our understanding of their long-term outcomes.

Members

Lydia Muriel Adams, C.M.
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and Caledon East, Ontario

Lydia Adams has left an indelible mark on the world of choral music. A celebrated composer, arranger and pianist, she is the long-standing conductor and artistic director of the Elmer Iseler Singers, and formerly of the Amadeus Choir. With a passion for promoting diverse voices and nurturing emerging talent, she champions both established and contemporary Canadian compositions, and has fostered a vibrant and inclusive musical community.

Ardyth Brott, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario

Ardyth Brott is an arts administrator, lawyer and author. As executive director of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Brott Music Festival, she champions training opportunities for emerging Canadian professional musicians, and shapes the country’s largest orchestral music festival. She is an accomplished author of four books for young readers and writes scripts for youth music education programs.

Patrick Gordon Crean, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Patrick Crean is a leading publisher and editor who has showcased quintessential Canadian voices for more than 50 years. He has worked with a broad range of authors and genres, particularly on subjects of historical and social relevance, and established numerous eponymous imprints to champion both new and renowned Canadian authors. He continues to advance contemporary Canadian literature as an editor, teacher and mentor.

Raquel Zegarra del Carpio-O’Donovan, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Raquel del Carpio-O’Donovan is a professor of radiology at McGill University and a practicing neuroradiologist at the school’s health centre. Acclaimed for her commitment to patient care, she is also an esteemed educator and mentor to hundreds of students in Canada, Latin America and beyond. Her contributions to this field have firmly placed McGill and Canada at the forefront of neuroradiology worldwide.

Bronwyn D. A. Drainie, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Bronwyn Drainie has made long-standing contributions to Canadian arts and culture. She served in various journalism and broadcasting roles, including arts columnist for The Globe and Mail, documentary producer with the CBC, and the first host of its new flagship radio show Sunday Morning. As editor-in-chief of the Literary Review of Canada for more than a decade, she is credited with raising its stature by incorporating new voices.

Jeffrey Mark Farber, C.M.
Thornhill, Ontario

Jeffrey Farber has improved food safety at the national and international levels. An authoritative voice on food microbiology and a global expert on Listeria and Cronobacter, he has held important positions in professional associations, leading panels and research bodies in the field. Throughout his distinguished public service career at Health Canada, he influenced the development of safety standards, and represented Canada on issues of food protection around the world.

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Esteemed dance artist, teacher and arts advocate Patricia Fraser has taught and performed extensively across Canada and worldwide. Artistic director of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre for nearly three decades, she helped shape an outstanding professional dance training program. She also co-founded the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, and serves on the boards of directors of many arts organizations, notably as chair of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre.

Tennys J. M. Hanson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

A renowned leader in the philanthropic sector, Tennys Hanson has raised billions of dollars to help elevate medical research and health care in Canada to new heights. At the helm of the University Health Network Foundation, she oversaw major campaigns supporting the creation of world-class research and care centres, institutes and programs. In addition, she has been a role model for and mentor to women leaders in fundraising.

General Raymond Roland Henault, C.M., C.M.M., M.S.C., C.D. (Ret’d)
Courtenay, British Columbia

Both in and out of uniform, Raymond Henault has significantly contributed to Canada’s defence and peacekeeping operations and policies. He coordinated Canada’s response to the 9/11 attacks as chief of the Defence Staff, and then served as chair of NATO’s Military Committee. The University of Manitoba’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies, the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, the Conference of Defence Associations Institute, and ADGA have also benefited from his leadership.

Victor Peter Hetmanczuk, C.M.
Oakville, Ontario

Victor Hetmanczuk has devoted five decades to the Ukrainian Canadian community. As chair and president of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, and chair of the Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee, he led swift and efficient aid interventions during crises. Initiating medical missions, a surgical training program and mental health support, he expanded aid impact and forged partnerships globally. As a community leader and spokesperson, he raises awareness and promotes Canadian values worldwide.

Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann, C.M
Hamilton, Ontario

Rhoda Howard-Hassmann has inspired many with her steadfast commitment to the advancement of human rights. Particularly known for her work on reparations and political apologies, this Wilfrid Laurier University professor emerita is a prolific and widely published academic who has helped expand our understanding of both the universality and interdependence of all human rights. She is also recognized for her dedicated mentorship of young scholars.

A. Leona Irons-Cummings, C.M
Curve Lake, Ontario

Leona Irons-Cummings empowers community professionals to manage their lands efficiently and effectively. She is the driving force behind the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA), which provides Indigenous land managers with networking opportunities and professional development on sustainable and culturally relevant best practices. Thanks to her efforts, numerous First Nation communities are gaining greater autonomy over the governance of their ancestral lands.

Lorne Henry Hepworth, C.M., S.O.M.
London, Ontario and Weyburn, Saskatchewan

Lorne Hepworth is a champion of Canadian agriculture. At the helm of CropLife Canada, he encouraged the use of science and technology in farming, ensuring safe, sustainable food for Canadians. Through visionary stewardship programs, he elevated the organization’s global standing and promoted partnerships for industry-wide initiatives. His constant advocacy of research is reinforced by his leadership roles at Genome Canada, the Global Institute for Food Security, and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario.

Milton Israel, C.M
Toronto, Ontario

Milton Israel is a leading scholar of South Asian studies. Now professor emeritus, he helped establish the field and contributed positively to Canada-India relations. He has also influenced Canadian policies on multiculturalism, notably as a long-time board member of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Multicultural History Society of Ontario.

G. Lynn Jones, C.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Lynn Jones works tirelessly to eradicate racism and secure human rights in her province and beyond. At the forefront of community rallies, protests and outreach events, she has led initiatives that have resulted in policy reform, improved access to education and health care, and enhanced legal protection for marginalized populations. A respected and influential advocate, she is unwavering in her devotion to empowering others and challenging injustice.

David I. Kent, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

David Kent has nurtured and promoted the careers of Canadian authors for over 35 years. A prominent chief executive of leading publishing companies and a generous teacher and mentor, he is a passionate supporter of Canadian literature and is a national advocate for adult literacy and freedom of expression. A food enthusiast, he has supported culinary writers and organizations advocating the importance of Indigenous foods and regional cuisines in Canadian culture.

William James Gordon Kirby, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

William Kirby proudly promotes contemporary Canadian art and artists. He is the founder and executive director of the Centre for Contemporary Canadian Art, where he developed the Canadian Art Database, an innovative and extensive resource made freely accessible online for artists, educators, researchers and the general public. His dedicated archival work has broadened awareness of contemporary Canadian art and artists at home and abroad.

Vahan Kololian, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Vahan Kololian is a champion of multiculturalism and inclusion. An entrepreneur and financier by trade, he is the founder of the Mosaic Institute, an organization dedicated to dismantling prejudice through dialogue, outreach and inclusion. A leader in the Armenian-Canadian community, he works with local and international partners to support development and prosperity in his ancestral homeland, including efforts to resolve historic and modern-day hostilities between Armenia and Turkey. He and his wife also support a variety of Canadian art, health care and educational organizations.

Richard Kroeker, C.M.
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Richard Kroeker is a distinguished architect and past director of the Dalhousie School of Architecture. Deeply influenced by the Mi’kmaq concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, he has inspired students and colleagues with his humanist approach. He has widely encouraged the practice of ethical building in the field, which prioritizes cultural values, sustainable materials and the involvement of local communities.

Richard Jean L’Abbé, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

Richard L’Abbé has contributed to the vast improvement of body protection systems in the field of explosive ordnance disposal. Co-founder of Med-Eng Systems, he led the company to become a major provider of this specialized equipment in Canada and abroad, and helped increase safety for military and anti-personnel mine clearing teams. A dedicated board member and generous philanthropist, he has supported the University of Ottawa’s engineering department, notably through the Richard L’Abbé Makerspace centre.

John Anthony Lederer, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

John Lederer is a successful business executive and philanthropist who supports transformative health initiatives. Former president of Loblaw Companies Limited, he created the President's Choice Children's Charity. He has also contributed his financial support and business expertise to the Community Food Centres of Canada, Toronto’s University Health Network, and both the multiple sclerosis research centre and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Carol Anne Lee, C.M., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Carol Lee is a distinguished leader, community builder and philanthropist. As chair and co-founder of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, she has been a driving force behind the revival of this iconic neighbourhood. She was also the visionary behind the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, which was created to honour early Chinese Canadians for their profound contributions to Canadian society and their enduring impact on our national narrative.

Nathan Leipciger, C.M., M.S.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Nate Leipciger has been a force for Holocaust education for decades. A dedicated educator with the March of the Living for more than 30 years, he has mentored thousands of students on the dangers of bigotry and intolerance, and has inspired thousands more with his personal story of resilience, love and forgiveness.

Francine Lemire, C.M.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

Francine Lemire is an esteemed leader in her community. An accomplished Paralympic medallist in cross-country skiing, she won two gold medals at the 1988 Winter Paralympics in Austria. She is also celebrated for her distinguished 33-year career as a family physician and for her leadership as the CEO of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, where she led numerous initiatives to bring the practice of family medicine into the future.

André Leon Lewis, C.M., O.M., M.S.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

André Lewis is a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s arts scene. Marking nearly five decades with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, he spent 25 years as artistic director and helped shape the company’s international reputation. His tenure included commissioned choreographies that blended power, entertainment, education and inspiration, fostering a distinct Canadian ballet identity. He is also a sought-after guest judge at major dance competitions, serving as a cultural ambassador for Manitoba and Canada.

John Donald Longhurst, C.M.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

John Longhurst is an author and freelance writer in the fields of Christian ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. As the religion columnist and reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press, he made it his goal to promote positive interdenominational relations, to reduce hate and to help readers see the humanity in every person.

Donald Alexander MacPherson, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Donald MacPherson is a champion for drug policy reform based on principles of public health, scientific evidence, harm reduction and social inclusion. A former community worker in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, he is the author of the city’s groundbreaking and comprehensive Four Pillars Drug Strategy. As the founder and long-time executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, he has united multidisciplinary stakeholders across the country to address this ongoing public health crisis.

Susan Margaret Macpherson, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Susan Macpherson devoted more than 50 years to Canadian contemporary dance. A founding member of Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT), she excelled as a dancer and educator. In the 1980s, she revolutionized solo modern dance with innovative performances across Canada and Europe. Post-retirement, she shaped dance education at The School of TDT, conducted an influential study of non-Western dance forms, and impacted arts funding bodies as an active advisor.

Medhat Sabet Mahdy, C.M.
North York, Ontario

Community builder Medhat Mandy devoted five decades to serving the YMCA and various charitable and health-focused sectors. As president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Toronto, he transformed the organization into a hub for social infrastructure and health equity, offering programs that benefited newcomers, children and marginalized communities like 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Indigenous groups and individuals with mental illness. His impact resonates across Canadian and global YMCA initiatives, shaping their approach and success.

Holly Susan McNally, C.M.
Paul McNally, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia

Holly and Paul McNally are co-founders of McNally Robinson Booksellers, one of Canada’s largest independent book chains. For 35 years, they supported local, regional and national independent publishers and authors, and developed community-based programming to explore art, creative writing and local history. Their storefronts have become important epicentres for Canadian and Indigenous culture and education, and they have been instrumental in the success of Canada’s literary scene.

Robert Michaud, C.M.
Québec, Quebec

Robert Michaud has dedicated his life to scientific research on the marine mammals of the St. Lawrence and to raising public awareness of the importance of marine conservation. Founder, president and scientific director of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals and coordinator of the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, he also helped to create a renowned interpretation centre in Tadoussac. As a scientific expert, speaker and popularizer, he shares his extensive knowledge widely to better protect our environment.

Noella Maria Milne, C.M., O.Ont.
Toronto, Ontario

Noella Milne is passionate about helping others live their best lives. While a senior partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, she supported and mentored women and young professionals. Through her extensive volunteer work with non-profit organizations and charitable boards, she advocated for women, youth and members of underserved communities. Her decades-long involvement with George Brown College culminated in her appointment as its chancellor in 2019.

Peter R. O’Brien, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec

Peter O’Brien is an esteemed volunteer, fundraiser and community builder. Using his business and leadership acumen, he has helped further the goals of multiple organizations, including the Montreal General Hospital Foundation, the McGill University Health Centre Foundation, and St. Patrick’s Basilica. He also led the establishment the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation, which supports Concordia University’s School of Irish Studies, and was director of the world-renowned John Molson International MBA Case Competition.

Evan Price, C.M.
Québec, Quebec

A trailblazer in both business and philanthropy, Evan Price is devoted to the history, culture and preservation of Quebec’s heritage. With visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, he has established multiple thriving businesses in his city; his name is associated with achievements in hospitality, technology, tourism and forestry. As secretary of his family foundation, he is engaged in a wide variety of initiatives and generously donates to numerous charitable causes.

Bryan Earl Prince, C.M.
Merlin, Ontario

Bryan Prince is preserving and celebrating Black Canadian history. A renowned historian, storyteller and author, he brings to light the authentic stories of the African diaspora in Canada, African Americans in slavery, the Underground Railroad and Black Canadian involvement in the American Civil War. He has also shared the story of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum throughout North America.

Shannon Beth Prince, C.M.
Merlin, Ontario

Shannon Prince is preserving and celebrating Black Canadian history. As the long-time curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, she commemorates the settlement of those who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad, and has bolstered the site’s reputation as a place of rightful historical importance. She is also a renowned storyteller and historical re-enactor who has shared the story of Buxton and its people throughout North America.

Joel Andrew Quarrington, C.M.
Hatley, Quebec

Double bassist Joel Quarrington has been a leading figure in orchestral music for more than four decades. Renowned for his tenures with esteemed ensembles like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, he is hailed for revolutionizing classical bass playing worldwide. He is a passionate educator and mentor to emerging musicians at prestigious institutions, and teaches his innovative techniques through masterclasses that draw international audiences.

Santee Smith Tekaronhiáhkhwa, C.M.
Ohswé:ken, Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario

Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Santee Smith honours Indigenous knowledge and culture through her art. As the founder and artistic director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, she has created groundbreaking and award-winning works that blend contemporary dance with Indigenous storytelling. At McMaster University, she uses her platform as chancellor to build a bridge between the institution and the Six Nations. Her visionary leadership brings Indigenous voices to the forefront, inspiring and empowering countless individuals worldwide.

Susan Swan, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario

Professor emerita at York University, Susan Swan has made an indelible mark on Canadian literature. Admired for her critically acclaimed fiction, she has been published in 20 countries, and several of her works have been turned into films and television series. She is also the co-founder of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, a major English-language literary award that celebrates women and non-binary authors in the United States and Canada.

Laurier Thibault, C.M.
Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Laurier Thibault is an advocate for French education in underserved communities. Past director of the Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada, he led worldwide initiatives promoting the transfer of expertise between Francophone college institutions, which ensured access to French-language programming within under-represented communities across Canada. He has also been involved with the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne and the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones. Dedicated to community causes, he served for many years as a director of numerous organizations, notably the Maison Radisson, which offers social reintegration services to offenders.

Keith R. Walley, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Keith Walley is an internationally renowned expert in the pathogenesis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock. A critical care physician and tenured professor at the University of British Columbia, he has conducted novel, translational and collaborative research that has led to improved clinical practice in intensive care settings and survival rates in Canada and beyond. He is also a committed leader who has served in various volunteer and editorial roles in the health and medical sectors.

Gilbert Donald Walsh, C.M.
Peterborough, Ontario

Donnie Walsh is recognized as the father of Canadian blues music. This co-founder and leader of The Legendary Downchild Blues Band has been an instrumental figure on the national blues scene for over half a century. His music has inspired generations of acts, including international pop culture icons the Blues Brothers.

Samuel Weiss, C.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Samuel Weiss has made groundbreaking discoveries in therapeutic approaches to the treatment of brain disorders. Professor and scientist at the University of Calgary, he was the founding director of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and is a scientific director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. His leading expertise in stem cell biology, brain tumours and neural regeneration have been sought out by national and international research committees and foundations.

Thomas Cunningham Wilson, C.M.
Hamilton, Ontario

Thomas Cunningham Wilson Tehoháhake embodies a multifaceted approach to cultural expression. Renowned for his music, art and literary contributions, he intertwines tradition with contemporary insight. Through his melodies, paintings and words, he invokes ancestral wisdom while addressing the pressing issues of our time. His artistry serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting reflection and dialogue on the complexities of Indigenous identity and resilience.

Michael Wulder, C.M.
Victoria, British Columbia

Michael Wulder is the country’s foremost expert in remote sensing for mapping and monitoring land cover. A senior research scientist with Natural Resources Canada, he has introduced the use of innovative technologies that have helped make Canada a leader in the use of earth observation data for forest management. A champion of open science, he has also served as one of the few international members of NASA’s Landsat Science Team since 2006.