Indigenous leaders, Olympian among 15 appointed to Order of B.C.

As British Columbians mark B.C. Day across the province, 15 people have been appointed to the Order of British Columbia.

The order, established in 1989, recognizes people who have made "extraordinary contributions" to B.C. and beyond, the province said in a media release. It's considered the highest form of recognition in the province.

Among the new appointees are three Indigenous leaders: Stan Bevan (Satsan), a Tahltan/Tlingit and Tsimshian artist and cultural leader; Elder Gwen Harry (Chésha7/Wigistame), a residential school survivor and education leader from the Squamish Nation; and Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie (Simo), a longtime advocate for Indigenous self-governance — something he said he's been involved with for 37 years.

"It's just fulfilling when you witness First Nations gain their independence, gain the recognition and assume that jurisdiction of self-governance, and it makes me very proud of Indigenous people," Louie said Monday. 

He said he is "thrilled" for all of the appointees.

"This is something that is a privilege and an honour," he said.  

Also appointed was Charmaine Crooks, an Olympic silver medallist and advocate for youth, equity and global sport, the province says. 

Four physicians were included in this year's Order of B.C. appointees, including Richmond's Sandy Dhami for her work with neurodiverse children; Vancouver's Ruth Grunau for her research into infant pain; Lantzville's Robin Love for his leadership in end-of-life care and Vancouver's John Yee for his "life-saving leadership" around lung transplants and cancer screening. 

Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia said in a media release that this year's order recipients have left a lasting impact on their communities. 

"By lifting others and leading with purpose, they are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive British Columbia for generations to come."

This year's full list of recipients:  

• Stan Bevan (Satsan), Terrace.
• Graham Clarke, Vancouver.
• Charmaine Crooks, West Vancouver.
• Sandy Dhami, Richmond.
• Ruth Grunau, Vancouver.
• Elder Gwen Harry (Chésha7/Wigistame), Squamish.
• Mark Jaccard, Vancouver.
• Jeremy Kinsman, Victoria.
• Chief Robert Louie (Simo), West Kelowna.
• Robin Love, Lantzville.
• Susannah Pierce, West Vancouver.
• Allan Seckel, Vancouver.
• Martha Sturdy, West Vancouver.
• Alan Twigg, Vancouver. 
• John Yee, Vancouver.

There are now 530 people who have been appointed to the Order of B.C. since its inception. The newest appointees will be inducted into the order at a ceremony in Victoria next month.