3 prominent Northerners among Order of Canada recipients

The Governor General has announced 113 new appointments to the Order of Canada, and several well-known Northerners are among them.

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Inuvialuitcarver AbrahamAnghikRuben is being appointedas an officer of the order"for his artistic contributions as a sculptor and for his preservation of our northern heritage and national identity," according to a news release.

Ruben, who grew up inPaulatuk, N.W.T., has worked as an artist since the1970s. He works in bone, stone, ivory and bronze. Hisart was showcased at the Smithsonian's American Indian Museumin Washington, D.C. a few years ago.

He has said his work reflects his roots in the North and Inuit core belief systems.

Former Yukon commissioner

Geraldine Van Bibber, a former Yukon commissioner, is another one of the appointees to the Order of Canada.

She's being honoured for her role in the development of the territory's tourism industry.

Van Bibber is a well-known elder. She's served as senior community advisor to the Yukon Party, as well as chancellor of Yukon College.

Born and raised in Dawson City, Van Bibber is of Tetlit Gwich'in and Irish descent.

Truth and Reconciliation commissioner

Marie Wilsonis also being recognized for her contributions to the development of the Northwest Territories. Wilson was acommissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Shewas also a journalist for 25 years, working as areporter, host and eventually the director of CBC North.

In her work with the TRC, Wilsonspent six years listening to heartbreaking testimony from more than 6,000 former residential school students, many of whom were abused. The commission released its final report last year.

Wilson lives in Yellowknife with her husband StephenKakfwi, a former premier of the Northwest Territories. She was also appointed to the Order of the Northwest Territories in a ceremony on Wednesday.

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The Order of Canada is one of the country's highestcivilian honours. Recipients will be honoured at a ceremony at a later date.