Recipients of 2006 Order of Nova Scotia Announced

A doctor, a retired colonel and a poet are among five Nova Scotians being recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to the enrichment of the province. The 2006 Order of Nova Scotia recipients were announced today, Sept. 8, by Premier Rodney MacDonald.

"These Nova Scotians have been selected because of their outstanding contributions and for bringing honour and prestige to our province," said Premier MacDonald. "Although the fields they represent are diverse, they have each made a significant contribution to our province."

The 2006 recipients are:

• Alida (Cora) de Jong Greenaway, Dartmouth, Halifax Regional Municipality, is a historic researcher and linguist, she is known nationally as a cultural icon for her tireless work in preserving the culture and heritage of our province. She is perhaps best known for her discovery and promotion of folk artist Maud Lewis and the preservation of the Croscup Room, now preserved in the National Art Gallery in Ottawa. She is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German and Italian. Ms. de Jong Greenaway worked as a freelance broadcaster on cultural and heritage subjects for CBC radio and led the formation of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.

• Joan Dillon, Antigonish, Antigonish Co., is known in her community for her commitment and dedication to many local volunteer organizations. She is co-founder of the St. FX Project, an organization dedicated to tutoring and mentoring children in three African Nova Scotian and two First Nations communities in Guysborough, Antigonish and Pictou counties. Ms. Dillon volunteered with the cub and scout movements for more than 35 years, running camps in Stillwater St. Mary's District and Monk's Head, Antigonish County.

• Dr. Ronald Stewart, North Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, has had a successful career in medicine as both a practitioner and an educator. After spending part of his career working in Pittsburgh and Toronto, he returned home to Nova Scotia to take up duties in emergency medicine and anaesthesia at Dalhousie University. He conducted research in the management of acute pain in trauma. In 1993 he was elected into the legislature and served as minister of health until 1996. In 1998 Dr. Stewart started "Music-in Medicine" -- a program that allows medical students, alumni, professors and staff to enjoy music performance as part of their educational and life experience. His world-class work in the area of emergency medicine revolutionized the Nova Scotia health-care system.

• Col. (Ret'd) Ian Fraser, River John, Pictou Co., has led an exemplary career with the Canadian military. Since retiring from the military in 1983, he has formed his own successful consulting business, specializing in planning advice and crisis management. He has produced numerous pageants, national and international tattoos and special events across Canada and in other countries. He has produced and the directed the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo since its inception in 1979.

• George Elliott Clarke, Three Mile Plains, Hants Co., is a revered poet, playwright and noted scholar. He has contributed greatly to arts and academics in Nova Scotia. Through his work he has given a voice to the voiceless and fought for equality of rights for African Canadians or to use a term he coined, Africadians. Even with his overwhelming teaching schedule, he continues to make time to participate in the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia's Writers in the Schools program, a reflection of his roots in the community.

The recipients were selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 97 nominations received from across the province.

The 2006 recipients will be recognized at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Province House.

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 O.N.S. after their names.