War Lake First Nation Chief Betsy Kennedy will be one of 11 new members of the Order of Manitoba in July, Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon announced May 12.
Kennedy has been chief of War Lake First Nation since 2006 and is the longest-serving female chief in Manitoba. During her time in office, the First Nation has seen the development of a new nursing station, a new store, a garage, a water treatment plant, a youth centre and a community fish facility. She was one of the four Northern Manitoba chiefs who signed the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement with Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government at Split Lake in 2009 and addressed the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women in 2014 about how women and children living in First Nations can be better served by the federal government. She was also part of a delegation from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), which represents 30 Northern Manitoba First Nations, that travelled to in London, United Kingdom in October 2013 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763.
Kennedy and five other women and five men will officially join the Order of Manitoba at an investiture ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building July 7. “While the individual accomplishments of the women and men recommended this year for investiture are wide ranging, they share a common spirit of giving and commitment to community for which Manitobans are known,” said the lieutenant-governor in a May 12 news release. “Whether their impact is felt at the local, national or international levels, they are each a credit to our province and our country.”
The province’s highest honour, the Order of Manitoba recognizes people who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in various fields that benefit the social, culture and economic well-being of the province and its residents. An independent advisory council evaluates nominations and recommends up to 12 candidates to be admitted to the order each year.
