Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

Premier John Hamm announced the recipients of the 2003 Order of Nova Scotia today, Sept. 5.

"The Order of Nova Scotia is our province's highest honour," said the premier. "These Nova Scotians have given of themselves, their time and their talent, and have made extraordinary contributions to our people and our province."

The 2003 recipients are:

• Dr. Robert Arnold Burden, Springhill, is a physician and community leader who has long put the health of his patients ahead of his own well-being. In 1956 and again in 1958, he risked his life to help miners caught in the Springhill mine explosions.

• David Alexander Colville, Wolfville, is an artist, teacher, and independent thinker. He has challenged the public consciousness through his paintings and, as a teacher, has inspired young artists and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

• Shirley Burnham Elliott, Wolfville, is a librarian, scholar, community volunteer and mentor. Due to her efforts during her tenure as legislative librarian, much of Nova Scotia's history has been preserved and documented for future generations.

• Hugh Allan (Buddy) MacMaster, Judique, is a renowned Cape Breton fiddler who, through his music, has helped to preserve our province's Celtic culture. He has donated countless hours to his community and has inspired many young musicians to follow in his path.

• Sister Dorothy Moore, Membertou, is an educational leader and a respected Elder who has devoted many years to the preservation and restoration of the Mi'kmaw language and culture. Largely because of her efforts, the Nova Scotia Department of Education has developed a provincial Mi'kmaw language curriculum.

The recipients have been selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 74 nominations submitted from across the province. They will be recognized at an investiture ceremony at Government House, Halifax, on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The Order of Nova Scotia was established in June 2001. Ten people were selected as inaugural members in 2002, with no more than five people being selected as recipients in the following years. Recipients have the right to use the initials ONS after their names.