BURST
The provincial government has released its list of recipients of the Order of British Columbia for 2025.
The order recognizes persons who have made an extraordinary contribution to the province and beyond.
They are:
• First Nations carver Stan Bevan (Satsan): For cultural leadership, mastery as a carver and pioneering contributions to education that shaped a generation of Northwest Coast First Nations artists.
• Businessman Graham Clarke: For his role in driving Vancouver’s rise as a global hub through visionary leadership in aviation, trade and tourism.
• Retired Olympic athlete Charmaine Crooks: For her tireless advocacy for youth, equity and global sport.
• Dr. Sandy Dhami: For her dedication to transforming the lives of neurodiverse children and families through inclusive education, mental-health advocacy and compassionate care
• Dr. Ruth Grunau: For her pioneering research that has transformed global understanding and care of infant pain, advancing neonatal health of infants born very preterm and shaping clinical practices worldwide.
• Squamish First Nation elder Gwen Harry: For her lifetime of transformative leadership in education, healing and economic development, all while inspiring collaborative reconciliation in B.C.
• Academic Dr. Mark Jaccard: For his career contributions to global climate action through innovative energy and environment policy analysis, public engagement and pragmatic, science-based leadership.
• Former diplomat Jeremy Kinsman: For his lifelong service in diplomacy and public dialogue, advancing Canada’s voice on the global stage.
• Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie (Simon): For his transformative leadership in Indigenous self-governance and economic development, setting a national standard for community empowerment and prosperity.
• Dr. Robin Love: For his visionary leadership and mentorship, while transforming palliative care and inspiring a global standard of compassionate, equitable end-of-life care.
• Businesswoman Susannah Pierce: For her groundbreaking leadership in business and unwavering advocacy for women and Indigenous communities.
• Lawyer Allan Seckel: For his leadership and lasting impact across law, government and community, helping to shape a more just and inclusive B.C.
• Artist Martha Sturdy: For her groundbreaking contributions to art and design, while inspiring generations through bold creativity, global influence and a lifelong commitment to trail-blazing for women in business and the arts.
• Writer Alan Twigg: For his unparalleled contributions to B.C.’s literary landscape, championing writers, preserving stories and building the foundation of a thriving literary culture.
• Dr. John Yee: For his life-saving leadership in lung transplantation and cancer screening, delivering world-class care and hope to patients in B.C.
The appointees will be invested at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 16.