‘Unsung heroes’ in spotlight

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This article was published 16/07/2010 (5803 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Humbled was the word of the day at the Order of Manitoba ceremony that honoured 12 past and present Manitoban residents.

Former premier Gary Doer and former minister of Northern Affairs Elijah Harper were among the highest-profile new members.

"I’m just humbled to be part of the presentation today with these people," Doer said. "They are the unsung heroes that don’t always necessarily get the limelight they deserve. So it’s nice to be part of that."

Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee and Manitoba protocol officer Dwight MacAulay presided over the ceremonies in the Legislative Building’s Manitoba Room.

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999, and is the highest honour the province can bestow on an individual.

Norma Bailey, an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, has received acclaim for her portrayal of First Nations and Métis people.

"It’s just so humbling to be up with this calibre of people," Bailey said. "This is a time to reflect on the work I’ve done, and what’s yet to come."

Bailey is mentoring other Canadian filmmakers, and said the future of Canadian film is in talented hands. "There is such a wealth of creativity in Canada and especially in Manitoba."

Honouree Keith Ursel is no stranger to dangerous situations. As a registered nurse, he has worked in war-torn countries such as Somalia with Doctors Without Borders, and is currently a member of the UN disaster assessment and co-ordination team.

"I’ve had the privilege to travel throughout the world and I’ve realized we’ve got such a high calibre of people here in Manitoba," Ursel said.

He added there are many avenues for young people to get involved in international disaster relief, such as the Red Cross.

Recipient Bob Smith works with aboriginal youth and founded the Cross Lake cadet program.

"As an aboriginal, it’s so rewarding to be able to work with these young people," Smith said. "There are social problems and they need an outlet." For more than 20 years, Smith has made a difference to the Cross Lake community, located about 520 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Other new Order of Manitoba members were: Marjorie Blankstein, former president of the National Council of Jewish Women in Canada, who has volunteered for many local and national causes; Dr. David Grewar, who for more than 50 years provided care to northern aboriginal and Inuit communities; Kerry Hawkins, who was the founding chair of the Business Council of Manitoba and supported education and aboriginal development; Betty Hopkins, chair of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund in Manitoba, who has devoted her life to promoting social justice; Kathryn Knowles, who founded the Osu Children’s Library Fund that established community libraries in Ghana and across Africa; Wilbert Loewen, who helped establish the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, one of the world’s largest food-aid providers; and Carmel Olson, head of the Brandon Regional Health Authority, who has advocated developing health care in rural Manitoba and the aboriginal workforce.

britt.harvey@freepress.mb.ca