Nardwuar the Human Serviette, Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMASA) founder Bert Crowfoot, and former CBC North host Rassi Nashalik are among 80 new appointees to the Order of Canada.
Crowfoot, a member of Alberta’s Siksika First Nation, is CEO of Edmonton-based AMMASA, which operates CFWE-FM and Indigenous news publications, Windspeaker.com, Raven’s Eye, Alberta Sweetgrass, Ontario Birchback, Saskatchewan Sage, and Buffalo Spirit. Crowfoot was appointed as an Officer of the Order.
Television and radio personality Nardwuar (aka John Ruskin) was named to the Order as a Member. Founder of Vancouver indie band, The Evaporators, Nardwuar launched his media career at University of British Columbia (UBC) campus radio station CITR 101.9.
“As an independent music, and campus and community radio advocate, he has helped shape our identity, while also earning a devoted global following through his distinctive interview style, tireless research, and support for rising stars and celebrated names,” his citation reads.
Also inducted is Rassi Nashalik, inaugural host of CBC’s Igalaaq, the first Inuktitut-language daily television newscast. Nashalik is being recognized as an “advocate for the preservation of Inuit language and culture, and a sought-after Elder and community advisor.”
Others recognized from the media and entertainment space include author, broadcaster and science journalist Ziya Tong, former co-host of Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet; Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines; and Leonard Schein, founder of Festival Cinemas, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), and Alliance Atlantis Cinemas.
Notable appointees additionally include Canadian country music icon Terri Clark, seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse, Freshco CEO Mandy Rennehan, Vincor International founder Donald Triggs, Nova Scotia gymnast Ellie Black, deaf playwright and accessibility advocate Chris Dodd, and five-time world professional middleweight kickboxing champion Muzammal Nawaz. Children’s entertainer Raffi Cavoukian and former Canada Council of the Arts CEO Simon Brault were promoted to Companion status within the Order.
