Chief, former premier among recipients
Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Chief Mark Arcand and former premier Brad Wall are among this year's recipients of the province's highest honour, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
Established in 1985, the award honours excellence and achievements of Saskatchewan citizens in areas like agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, public service, art, research and volunteering.
A member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Arcand served two terms as vice-chief with the Saskatoon Tribal Council Treaty Office before he was elected chief in October 2017.
He also worked as the STC'S manager for the Labour Force Development Partnership and as a youth sport culture and recreation co-ordinator.
Arcand has said his “greatest commitment is helping youth excel and build their dreams through developing the gift in each child.”
With more than 18 years of
They have significantly contributed to the betterment of our province. LT.-GOV.
RUSS MIRASTY
political experience, Wall was elected premier of Saskatchewan in 2007 and served until January 2018.
Hailing from Swift Current, Wall's legacy depends on who you ask. While credited by some for significant contributions to the growth of the province's “entrepreneurial spirit,” others had trouble overlooking a growing provincial debt and controversial land deals around the Global Transportation Hub during his time at the helm.
Wall announced he was stepping down in August 2017 and is now a special adviser in the Calgary office of the law firm Osler.
“I am grateful to the newest recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for making profoundly positive impacts in our communities,” Lt-gov. Russ Mirasty said in a news release Thursday.
“By generously giving of their time, talents and resources, they have significantly contributed to the betterment of our province.”
Other recipients are Brynn Boback-lane (Saskatoon), Floyd Favel (Paynton), Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos (Regina), Renu Kapoor, S.V.M. (Regina), Curtis Kleisinger (Regina), Col. (Ret'd) Malcolm Young C.D. (Saskatoon), Greg Yuel (Saskatoon) and Olivia Yuel (Saskatoon).
They will be “invested into the order” during a ceremony to be held in Regina on June 19.