Gord Downie appointed to Order of Canada

The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie, an advocate for First Nations people, was appointed to the Order of Canada on Mondayduring a Rideau Hall ceremony honouring leadership in Indigenous issues.

Downie, who announced last year that he had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, has become a strong advocate for Indigenous people.

Striking a unique figure in adenim jacket, jeans, a jaunty hat andboots for Monday's ceremony,Downierose from his seat slowly and warmlyembraced Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who bestowedtheOrder of Canada insigniaon the singer-songwriter.

Along with acknowledgment as a musician, Downie was hailed for his social activism namely his devotion "to promoting dialogue, raising awareness of the history of residential schools and moving the country along the path to reconcilation."

• GordDownie'sSecret Path leads to legacy project in honour ofChanieWenjack
• ChanieWenjack: a 50-year-old tragedy rises up to inspire a new generation

Downie's recent solo album and graphic novelSecret Pathtells the story of anOjibweFirst Nations boy, ChanieWenjack,whodied in1966 while trying to escape a residential school.

More than 2dozen honoured at Rideau Hall

Attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Grgoire Trudeau and other dignitaries, Monday's ceremony featuredperformances by Indigenous singers and included a moving speech by Mtis actor Tom Jackson, an officer of the Order of Canada.

• Full list of honourees recognized for indigenous work

Downiewas among30 people who receivedthe Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division), the Polar Medal or the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteersfor their leadership in supporting Indigenous issues.

Other arts figureshonouredincluded:

• Children's and youth authorJacquelineGuest.
• Actor, activist and former MPTina Keeper,Royal Winnipeg Ballet artisticdirectorAndrLewis and thelate Mary Richardfor creating the balletGoing Home Star Truth and Reconciliation.
• Writer and theatreactressJuliePellissier-Lush.
• AletheaArnaquq-Baril, documentary filmmaker and director of AngryInuk.

Downie'sTragically HipbandmatesRob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair also appointed members of the Order of Canadawill receive the honourat a laterdate.