Three people from Saskatchewan have been awarded by the Governor General. Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear,  activist Donald Kossick and philanthropist Vaughn Wyant are now Members of the Order of Canada, and were given their awards by Governor General Mary Simon on Thursday in Ottawa.

The Governor General’s website says Chief Bear has built a record of economic success and sustainable community development, and he continues to create a legacy of innovation in governance and economic development, a model that can be shared with all First Nations in Canada. This Sunday marks Chief Bear’s 30th year as Chief of Whitecap Dakota Nation.

Donald Kossick and Vaughn Wyant are both from Saskatoon. Kossick was awarded for his activism in issues ranging from boreal forest and water protection to health care and refugee settlement. Wyant, a well-known business leader in the automotive industry, was awarded for his philanthropy and fundraising, leveraging his company to support art, sport and health care initiatives.

The honours were originally announced in 2020, but the formal investiture was delayed because of the pandemic.