The province has announced the names of this year's recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
"The nine remarkable individuals who will be invested with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit this year are outstanding citizens who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless people; we are truly in their debt," Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart said in a release.
This year's recipients are:
• Chief Darcy M. Bear from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation
• Joseph L. Bourgault, president of F.P. Bourgault Tillage Tools - St. Brieux
• Edward Busse, retired cardiac surgeon - Qualicum Beach, B.C
• Ronald Carson, CEO of Carson Energy Services – Lampman
• Malcolm Jenkins, entrepreneur - Prince Albert
• Courtney Milne (posthumous), photographer – Grandora
• Karim Nasser, professor emeritus of engineering – Saskatoon
• Shirley Schneider, retired educator – Regina
• Ruth Smillie, artistic director and CEO, Globe Theatre – Regina
The Saskatchewan Order of Merit is the province's highest honour, recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the well-being of the province and its residents.
In all, 184 people have been bestowed with the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985.
