Caribbean Canadians recognized by the GG

 Order of Canada awards announced

at year's end

By Stephen Weir

There was a time not long ago when the heroes of the country’s Black community were overlooked at year’s end when the Governor General of Canada announced new appointments to the Order of Canada. As of 2024, we have a new sheriff in town, and yesterday she let the country know that she sees all Canadians.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has made 88 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including one Companion, 24 Officers, and 63 Members. Three appointments are promotions within the Order. Once again, under her leadership, Caribbean Canadians, Africans, and Canadians involved in projects impacting the Black community made the list.

Yesterday, famed photographer Stan Douglas was appointed to the Order of Canada. Born and raised in Vancouver (his father is from Tobago), his multimedia works re-examine pivotal historical events and technology’s role in shaping collective memory. He has represented Canada at many international exhibitions, including the 2022 Venice Biennale, and his photographs are shown around the world, notably in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the US.

Colin Roswell Clarke, from Oakville, Ontario, was awarded the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to public service, community leadership, and the arts. A prominent advocate for the Black community, he is also known for his work with the Woodwind Orchestra, fostering inclusivity and artistic expression.

Fabienne Colas, a Haitian-Canadian actress, model, filmmaker, and cultural entrepreneur, immigrated to Canada in 1998. She moved to Montreal, Quebec, where she later founded the Fabienne Colas Foundation and the Montreal International Black Film Festival. The 45-year-old former Ms. Haiti is a leading figure in Canada’s cultural diversity.

Toronto’s Donald Dippo is passionate about educational equity. For decades, this educator and advocate has increased educational access for children and teachers at home and abroad, from Toronto and eastern Africa to South and Central America. He is also the co-founder of the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees program, based in the Dadaab Refugee Camps (located in northeastern Kenya/Somalia).

Jeanne Brigitte Lehman was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada on Wednesday. She founded Black Canadian Women in Action, a national bilingual charity with branches in western Canada, promoting and empowering Black women and girls. She was born in Cameroon and immigrated to Canada from France in 2000.

Appointments are made by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. A person officially becomes a member of the Order of Canada on the day the instrument of appointment is sealed with the Seal of the Order of Canada and signed by the Governor General.

New members of the Order will be invited to a ceremony at a later date to be invested into the Order and to receive their insignia. The dates of these ceremonies will be announced in due course.