Reverend Father Jean Pochat-Cotilloux to be invested into the Order of Canada
June 20, 2006
OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Reverend Father Jean Pochat-Cotilloux during a brief ceremony to be held on Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the Joint Task Force (North) combined mess, in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The appointment has been in effect as of November 17, 2005.
The following text is the official citation for Reverend Father Pochat-Cotilloux:
Reverend Father Jean Pochat-Cotilloux, C.M.
Behchoko, Northwest Territories
Member of the Order of Canada
Jean Pochat‑Cotilloux is admired throughout the Western Arctic for his selfless service to the North and its people. As the founding director of Grandin College in Fort Smith, he played a vital role in nurturing a generation of Aboriginal leaders who have articulated a new vision for the North. He later provided his expertise to the Western Arctic Leadership Program, which was inspired by the model of Grandin College. He has also served as a priest in Rae-Edzo (now Behchoko), where he cultivated close ties with the Dogrib people of the Dene Nation and demonstrated a deep respect for their traditions and values.
A backgrounder on the Order of Canada is attached.
Media information
Frédérique Tsaï-Klassen
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 993-8158
www.gg.ca
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Order of Canada Backgrounder
- The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement.
- Three different levels of membership—Companion, Officer and Member—honour people whose accomplishments vary in degree and scope.
- Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The Governor General is the Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.
- Membership in the Advisory Council reflects the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain Advisory Council members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed to the Council for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.
- The current members of the Council are:
- The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada (Chair)
- The Honourable Thomas R. Berger, O.C.
- Ms. Patricia A. Demers, President, the Royal Society of Canada
- Mr. Richard Francis Haskayne, O.C.
- Mr. Tom Jackson, O.C.
- Miss Karen Kain, C.C., Chair, the Canada Council for the Arts
- Mrs. Judith A. LaRocque, C.V.O., Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage
- Dr. Daurene E. Lewis, C.M.
- Mr. Kevin Lynch, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
- Mr. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C.
- Ms. Bonnie M. Patterson, Chairman of the Board, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
- Any group or individual is welcome to nominate deserving individuals as candidates for appointment.
- Any Canadian may be nominated for the Order of Canada. The only exceptions are federal and provincial politicians and judges, who may not be appointed while holding office.
- Non-Canadians may be considered for honorary appointments.
