Two people from Delta and three from Surrey have been appointed as Members of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
Kim Baird, former chief of the Tsawwassen First Nations (TFN) was appointed “for her contributions to the social and economic well-being of her people, notably in securing a historic urban treaty.”
Baird was the signatory of the TFN treaty which gave the First Nations $33.6 million and annual grants worth $2.9 million. It also gave TFN an expanded land base of 724 hectares and right of first refusal on the purchase of other lands in the future, as well as a share of the commercial fishery.
Delta’s Dorothy Grant was appointed for her “contributions to the fashion industry as a Haida artist, designer and mentor.” An artist for 32 years, Grant was the first to merge Haida art and fashion. She believes her clothing embodies the Haida philosophy “Yaangudang,” meaning self respect.
Surrey’s Vickie Cammack and Allan B. Etmanski were appointed for their “success in empowering persons with disabilities to participate in and contribute to Canadian society.”
Cammack is the founding director of PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) Institute, a pioneer social enterprise supporting people with disabilities.
Etmanski, an advisor and also a founding director of PLAN, fought for the establishment of the Registered Disabilities Savings Plan.
Eleanor Collins was given the Order of Canada for her “pioneering achievements as a jazz vocalist, and for breaking down barriers and fostering race relations in the mid-20th century.”
Collins career began when she won an amateur contest in Edmonton in 1934 – she was 15 years old. She went on to sing with the Joe Macelli’s dance band, CBC’s gospel group, and sang with the Three E’s and Swing Low Quartet.
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. A ceremony where recipients will receive their insignia will be held at a later date.