16 Saskatchewan Order of Merit inductees celebrated
Ten Saskatchewan Order of Merit inductees from 2020 and six from 2021 were celebrated at Conexus Art Centre on Wednesday.
After having to cancel the ceremony in 2020, organizers were excited to welcome inductees from the last two years into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
The Order of Merit has been recognizing citizens who demonstrate exemplary contributions to the province since 1985.
The 2020 Saskatchewan Order of Merit recipients are:
- Dr. Gordon Asmundson, Regina
- Rigmor Clarke, Shell Lake
- Sally Elliot, Regina (posthumous)
- Gerald Grandey, Saskatoon
- Dr. Donald Greve, Rosthern
- Dr. Lorne Hepworth, Weyburn and London, Ont.
- Pamela Klein, Regina
- Silvia Martini, Saskatoon
- Dr. Walter Streelasky, Melville
- Eloise Sitter, Saskatoon
Pamela Klein has been a lifelong volunteer and praises her parents for fostering a good understanding of giving back.
“I grew up in an environment where you gave back because you can. It was just what we did from a very young child into adulthood and my husband and I instill the same values in our kids,” Klein said.
While the nomination came as a surprise, Klein said it’s an honour to be selected and recognized but it’s not why she’s dedicated her life to volunteerism.
“Recognition is not a motivator it's something intrinsic and it's your career, it's your education, it's your community,” Klein added. “There's so many reasons that are very intrinsic to somebody's purpose for contributing to our communities.”
The 2021 Saskatchewan Order of Merit recipients are:
- Mavis Ashbourne-Palmer, Regina
- Dr. Michael Bishop, Kamsack
- Albert Brown, Saskatoon
- Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier, C.M., Balcarres
- Hart Godden, Regina
- Solomon Ratt, Regina
Solomon Ratt’s work with educating people on the Cree language across the province prompted his students to nominate him.
“I think that's a wonderful way of acknowledging the indigenous language developments in Canada, specifically in Saskatchewan to be able to be recognized for the work that I've done these past 35 years,” Ratt said.
While Ratt initially didn’t want the recognition, he said getting nominated by those he tries to help take pride in their language was acknowledgment enough.
“For my students to say the things they said on the nomination form, makes my job rewarding to say the least. All these years of teaching, sometimes I wonder, is this actually doing any good? Then to get nominated by my students, I am doing some good,” Ratt added.
All those who attended the ceremony had to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and had to wear masks during the entire event.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.