Hamilton shines in latest installment of Order of Canada appointees

The newest installment of the Order of Canada appointees released Friday has some familiar Hamilton names receiving the prestigious honour.

Governor General Mary Simon announced 85 new appointments to the Order that are given to those who have been recognized as making extraordinary achievements and having demonstrated outstanding dedication to their respective fields.

Hamilton music icon Tom Wilson is  among the names announced today. The Hamilton-born singer is being honored for his contributions to the arts throughout the country and his dedication to advocacy of Indigenous communities. Wilson established the Bunny Wilson Bursary for Indigenous students at McMaster.

McMaster University has some connections to the announcement with the induction of Chancellor Santee Smith and faculty members Jeffrey Weitz and Savage Bear.

READ MORE: Hamilton RBG summer concert series set to make it’s big return

Smith is an award-winning multidisciplinary Indigenous artist, producer, and curator who graduated from McMaster with two degrees and assumed the role of Chancellor in 2019.

Vice-Chancellor David Farrar calls her term as Chancellor thus far as “instrumental in advancing understanding of Indigenous peoples and ways of knowing on our campus”.

Weitz joins the ranks from the Faculty of Health Sciences where he has dedicated his time to advancing research in the understanding and treatment of blood clotting disorders.

READ MORE: City of Hamilton outdoor pools open just in time for Canada Day

Director for the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) and an assistant professor of Indigenous Studies, Savage Bear is being recognized for her contributions to the field of Indigenous studies and her unwavering commitment to community engagement.

McMaster alum and current Oakville resident Rola Dagher is another notable name earning the honour through her impactful leadership in the technology sector and through championing diversity and inclusion.

The full list of new inductees to the Order of Canada can be found through the federal government website.

Ceremonies for appointees to receive their insignia will take place in the coming months, with dates being announced soon.

READ MORE: What’s open and closed on Canada Day in Hamilton, Halton, Niagara