Emmy Award winner, philanthropists, scientists, advocates among Order of Manitoba recipients
Investiture ceremony for 12 people scheduled for July 17 at legislative building
Twelve Manitobans will receive the province's highest honour for a range of accomplishments, from advocacy work and acting to philanthropy, fundraising and the revitalization of Indigenous languages.
The formal investiture ceremony for the Order of Manitoba recipients is scheduled for July 17 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
Established in 1999, the award recognizes individuals whose achievements enrich the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents "and reinforce that we all have the power to make a difference," the office of Manitoba's lieutenant-governor said in a news release.
Gordon Giesbrecht, a world-renowned leader in the study and treatment of hypothermia and drowning prevention, said being part of the list of honourees is humbling.
"You read that list and you look at lists of years gone by, and there's a lot of very deserving people there, and you kind of wonder, 'How did I get on that list?' But I'm very honoured for sure," he told CBC Manitoba Information Radio host Marcy Markusa on Monday.
Under Giesbrecht's leadership, the University of Manitoba has become a globally renowned centre of expertise in cold stress physiology and pre-hospital care for human hypothermia, the citation for the award said.
His findings have saved countless lives, with his recommendations forming protocols that are now used by emergency responders across Canada.
Giesbrecht, whose motto is "keep cool, but don't freeze," often sacrifices himself to illustrate life-saving ways to get out of dangerous situations. It has made him a media magnet, with appearances on late-night talk shows in the United States, the Rick Mercer Report in Canada and at numerous news events.
It's been a love-hate career, he says. He loves the work and knowing he is helping save lives, but "I hate cold," he said.
"My goal with the cold stuff is not to embrace the cold and love being cold, but how to prevent getting a cold injury and getting into trouble," Giesbrecht said.
"I'm a bit of a wimp. I can get into some tough situations, but I'm always trying to minimize the discomfort as much as I can and minimize the risk for whatever I'm doing."
The following is a list of the others being honoured, along with information from their citations:
Maria E. Chaput
The first Franco-Manitoban woman in the Canadian Senate, Maria Chaput has dedicated her community work and professional career to the growth of the Manitoba francophone community. She led many fundraising campaigns in support of organizations such as Cercle Molière theatre and the Maison Gabrielle-Roy museum, and played a key role in the modernization of the Official Languages Act.
Rebecca Gibson
Partner and co-owner of Eagle Vision, Rebecca Gibson is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, playwright, best-selling author, devoted mentor and advocate for equity, diversity and accessibility. She is a recent winner of a 2023 International Emmy Award (only the second Manitoba win) and the Banff World Media Festival's 2022 Innovative Producer of the Year Award.
Digvir S. Jayas
An engineer and agrologist, Digvir Jayas is distinguished professor in the department of biosystems engineering at the University of Manitoba. A world-renowned grain scientist, Jayas has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career that has enhanced grain preservation in Canada and around the world.
Glen Kruck
Throughout his 35-year career with Community Health and Housing in Brandon, Glen Kruck has been dedicated to helping people in need. His work has centred on creating long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness in Brandon, particularly for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. His housing programs have benefited thousands of Brandon residents and he was instrumental in the development of Brandon's first homeless shelters.
Trudy L. Lavallee
The former child and family advocate for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Trudy Lavallee's advocacy for First Nations children led to her developing the concept for Jordan's Principle, which intended to make sure First Nations children do not face gaps, delays or denials in accessing government services because of their identity. In November 2005, she wrote an article published in the Paediatrics and Child Health Journal titled, "Honouring Jordan: Putting First Nations Children First and Funding Fights Second," which led to the federal introduction of the Jordan's Principle bill.
J. Kenneth Paupanekis
An elder of the Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House), Ken Paupanekis has dedicated himself to the well-being of Indigenous communities in Manitoba, working toward Indigenous language revitalization. His fluency in Cree, Anishinaabe, English and French helped with the development of key language programs. His contribution to Manitoba universities has ensured future generations can access culturally relevant learning materials.
Kristie Pearson
A dedicated fundraiser and volunteer, Kristie Pearson supports community organizations that provide services to Manitobans. Her fundraising efforts have helped raise over $30 million for charities and projects including the Clan Mothers Healing Village, Rainbow Resource Centre, United Way Winnipeg and the YMCA/YWCA. During the pandemic, she developed Linking Hope in response to the many small agencies struggling to raise funds and recruit volunteers.
Walter John Schroeder
A successful business executive and philanthropist, Walter Schroeder has pledged over $500 million to support educational causes through the Schroeder Foundation. This includes a recent $15-million donation to create the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts at RRC Polytech and $1.25 million to support the Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee — Build from Within program to support Indigenous teachers. He also provides over 700 post-secondary scholarships annually.
Charlie Spiring
A successful investment advisor, Charlie Spiring's philanthropy strengthens the social fabric of Manitoba. His foundation has provided millions of dollars to local programs, including Siloam Mission, Adoption Options Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. He led the InSpiring Match for United Way Winnipeg, matching $1 million for the Forever Family initiative, providing immediate support to family centres across Winnipeg.
Felix C. Walker
A member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Felix Walker provides innovative programming for the well-being of his community. A band councillor at age 25, he led programs based on traditional Cree values, including reducing trauma to children in care. He also established group home care for youth and continues to work with elders through the Rediscovery of Families program, where families reunite and heal in traditional land settings.
Marion F. Willis
Marion Willis has contributed to safer and healthier communities in Manitoba by creating and operating St. Boniface Street Links, a program that delivers a holistic approach to help homeless people in Winnipeg. She is also the founder of Morberg House, an addictions recovery residence in Winnipeg. She works to break the cycle of homelessness and to set new standards of care for vulnerable people by helping to restore hope and dignity in their lives.
Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, will preside over the ceremony in July.
Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council.
A list of all members of the order is on permanent display in the legislative building, and members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life.