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OTTAWA, Ontario—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has made 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including 6 Companions, 15 Officers and 59 Members. Six appointments are promotions within the Order, and another represents an honorary appointment.
The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8250 people from all sectors of society have been appointed to the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
“The Order of Canada fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country. Every appointment celebrates not only the talent, expertise and dedication of individuals, but also the countless lives they have touched through their work, vision and contributions. Their commitment extends beyond borders, inspiring progress in our communities, our country and around the world. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each new appointee on this well‑deserved recognition.”
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
The following are the music and arts related appointments:
Companions
Simon Brault, C.C., O.Q.
Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Quebec
Simon Brault is a pillar of the arts and culture sector. As director of the Canada Council for the Arts, he redefined its role by focusing on democratization and accessibility, strengthening support for artists, including those from diverse backgrounds and Indigenous communities. A tireless advocate, he worked to highlight the fundamental importance of culture in all spheres of society.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Raffi Cavoukian, C.C., O.B.C.
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
A beloved songwriter and entertainer, Raffi has dedicated his life to championing children’s rights and well-being. His songs have impacted generations with his message of love, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As the creator of the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, he has shaped our modern discourse to ensure a safe future for the children of the world.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Officers
Bert Cecil Crowfoot, O.C.
Edmonton, Alberta
Bert Crowfoot is a member of the Siksika First Nation (Blackfoot) and is a respected journalist and acclaimed photographer. He is the founder and CEO of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta, a news and communications society dedicated to creating media that reflects the values of Indigenous people across Canada.
Members
Terri Clark, C.M.
London, Ontario and Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
Canadian country music icon Terri Clark has left an indelible mark on the genre at home and abroad. Notably, she was the first Canadian female inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Her trailblazing career inspires countless Canadian artists, opening doors for international recognition and elevating the country music landscape across borders.
Chris Dodd, C.M.
Edmonton, Alberta
Chris Dodd is a Deaf performing artist, playwright and accessibility advocate who has worked in Edmonton’s theatre community for more than 25 years. Founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national theatre festival for the Deaf performing arts, he entertains and educates audiences on the experience of being a Deaf person in a hearing world.
Michelle Frances Good, C.M.
Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
Michelle Good is a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation who is esteemed for her work as an activist, lawyer and storyteller. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop and the intergenerational trauma of the residential school system, she has confronted laws that continue to hurt Indigenous communities and advocates reconciliation, truth and respect.
Reesa Greenberg, C.M.
Ottawa, Ontario
Reesa Greenberg is recognized for her innovative contributions to art history and museology. A trailblazer in feminist and exhibition studies, she has advanced digital documentation of Canadian art and supported key cultural institutions. Her transformative philanthropy includes restoring Canada’s Pavilion in Venice, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Hans-Jürgen Greif, C.M.
Québec, Quebec
Hans-Jürgen Greif is renowned for his contributions to literature, teaching and cultural exchanges. Professor emeritus and prolific author, he has enriched migrant literature in Quebec and promoted multilingualism. Through his generous donations to artistic and educational institutions, he has made a lasting cultural impact and facilitated access to music and knowledge.
Ian Ihor Orest Ihnatowycz, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Ian Ihnatowycz is a philanthropic leader. Leveraging his success in business, he and his wife established the Ihnatowycz Family Foundation to support education, health care and arts initiatives. Beneficiaries include Western University’s Ivey Business School, The Royal Conservatory of Music, the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, Waterloo Eye Institute and SickKids hospital.
Martha Langford, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Martha Langford’s impact on visual culture in Canada has advanced our understanding and appreciation of the arts. An art historian and esteemed scholar in the field of photographic arts, she helped establish photography as a discipline in Canada, and has developed quintessential collections of our country’s finest photographic works in museums and galleries.
Leonard Schein, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Leonard Schein is a cultural leader and philanthropist. He founded Festival Cinemas, the Vancouver International Film Festival, and Alliance Atlantis Cinemas. He has contributed to various boards related to the arts, community, business, environment and health care, and his Schein Foundation supports dozens of organizations, charities and social impact initiatives.
Walter John Schroeder, C.M. and Maria Schroeder, C.M.
Toronto, Ontario
Devoted philanthropists Walter and Maria Schroeder have dedicated their lives to helping others. Through their private foundation, generous donations and hands-on involvement, they have enriched their community. Their contributions sparked major initiatives in health care, culture and education, and have empowered Indigenous youth and supported underserved communities.
Cindy Schwartz, C.M.
Montréal, Quebec
Cindy Schwartz has played a key role in championing diversity across arts and media. As founder, artistic and general director of Les Muses, Canada’s first full-time professional performing arts training program for neurodivergent adults, she has fostered representation, empowered artists, and expanded opportunities for meaningful participation in cultural life.
Nardwuar the Human Serviette, C.M.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Nardwuar the Human Serviette is a music journalism and popular culture innovator. As an independent music, and campus and community radio advocate, he has helped shape our identity, while also earning a devoted global following through his distinctive interview style, tireless research, and support for rising stars and celebrated names.
Barry Truax, C.M.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Barry Truax is a leading authority in acoustic communication and electroacoustic music. This professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University created innovative tools and techniques used in his genre-defining compositions such as Riverrun (1986). As an original member of the World Soundscape Project, he has made significant contributions to acoustic ecology.
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