A member of Saugeen First Nation has been given the highest honour in Canada.
Dr. Duke Redbird was appointed to the Order of Canada, as an Officer, "for being a defining voice in Indigenous arts and thought for over sixty years."
On Friday, Governor General Louise Arbour appointed 56 Canadians to the order, including the Saugeen First Nation elder.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition," said Dr. Redbird in a media release. "I accept it not only on my own behalf, but in recognition of the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, artists, and communities who have guided and inspired me throughout my journey. My life’s work has been dedicated to building understanding through education, culture, and the sharing of Indigenous ways of knowing. I remain committed to supporting future generations as they carry this work forward."
Dr. Redbird is a multidisciplinary artist, public speaker, and cultural thought leader whose work began back in the 1960s. He has played a critical role in bringing Indigenous knowledge systems into Canadian classrooms, and received an honorary doctorate from OCAD University for his work in 2013.
Since 2014, he has served as Indigenous Arts Consultant to the Toronto District School Board.
