Meet the 'outstanding' Islanders named to the Order of P.E.I.

An oncologist, an advocate for children with autism, and a Mi'kmaq spiritual leader were named to the Order of Prince Edward Island on Wednesday.

Dr. Dagny Dryer of Little Sands, Carolyn Bateman of Charlottetown, and Keptin John Joe Sark of Johnston's River were chosen from 53 Islanders nominated to receive the award this year.

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The Order is awarded annually to honour Islanders who have shown "individual excellence or outstanding leadership in their community and in their chosen occupation or profession," says the Order of Prince Edward Island Advisory Council. It is the highest honour that can be accorded to a citizen of the province.

Dr. Dagny Dryer

Dryer came to P.E.I. in 1981 as the province's first medical oncologist.

In 2012, she was honoured by the Canadian Cancer Society's National Award for Excellence in Medicine and Health in recognition of her "outstanding contribution to advancing the Canadian Cancer Society's mission of reducing the burden of cancer in Canada." The award is given to only one person in Canada each year.

Dryer has helped to build the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre into a reputable institution, said the advisory council.

Carolyn Bateman

Bateman is co-founder and past president of the Autism Society of Prince Edward Island.

In 2002, she also co-founded the Stars for Life Foundation for Young Adults with Autism, where she continues to serve as president. The foundation raised $1.2 million to build the first home and resource centre for autism on P.E.I. in 2011.

The advisory council says Bateman has tirelessly sought the best treatments and education not only for her own autistic son, but also for other families impacted by autism in her community and beyond.

Keptin John Joe Sark

Sark, born on the Lennox Island Reserve in 1945, has served as a guardian of the spiritual and cultural integrity of the Mi'kmaq people.

As a representative of the Mi'kmaq Council, Sark has lobbied internationally for rights and recognition.

He has had audiences with the Pope on the subject of residential schools; was involved in drafting the United Nations' Declaration of Indigenous Peoples of the World; and was co-producer, executive director and artistic director of the film Spirit World The Story of the Mi'kmaqs.

He also wrote a book on the history of the Mi'kmaq people and he continues to use his expertise educate and encourage accurate portrayals of Mi'kmaq history.

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