Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie was among 29 people honoured today by the Governor General for their work in raising awareness of indigenous issues.
Downie was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie is appointed to the Order of Canada for his leadership on indigenous issues. pic.twitter.com/xPzIyQp4Tc
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) June 19, 2017
Downie, who announced last year that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, has become a strong advocate for indigenous people and issues.
His recent solo album and graphic novel “Secret Path” tells the story of an indigenous boy, Chanie Wenjack, who died while trying to escape a residential school.
Downie's band mates, Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair have also been named to the order and are to receive their citations at a later date.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among the dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony.
Today at the #GGHonours Ceremony, we celebrated outstanding people who are strengthening Indigenous communities across Canada. pic.twitter.com/qp1KPPhlLb
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 19, 2017
Indigenous activist Sylvia Maracle was being named an officer of the order.
Maracle, a Mohawk from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and executive director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, is known as a passionate advocate for urban indigenous peoples and women’s issues.
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