The group of 12 Manitobans set to receive the province’s highest honour include a multi-Juno Award winning singer-songwriter, an orthopedic surgeon and an influential Indigenous leader.
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Tracy Dahl Tracy Dahl performs with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at the Centennial Concert Centre in 2017. Known as Canada’s premiere coloratura soprano, Dahl has appeared at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House. She was appointed to the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette in 2018. (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra)
Andrew Harris Running back Andrew Harris speaks to media following the Winnipeg Blue Bombers walkthrough at Tim Hortons Field during the CFL's Grey Cup week in Hamilton, Ont., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. The Winnipegger began his CFL career in 2009 as a practice roster player for the B.C. Lions. He went on to capture five Grey Cups, including 2019 and 2021 victories with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He's the CFL's all-time leading Canadian rusher with 10,380 yards and 51 touchdowns. He signed a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in April 2024 to officially retire as a Bomber. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn)
Chantal Kreviazuk Chantal Kreviazuk poses on the red carpet at the Juno Awards on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Ottawa, Ont. The Winnipeg-born singer-songwriter burst onto the international stage with the release of her double-platinum selling album “Colour Moving and Still.” She is also an illustrious songwriter, penning hits for Drake, Kelly Clarkson, and Kendrick Lamar. The three-time Juno Award winner is also an ambassador and honorary founder of War Child Canada. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang)
Jocelyne Larocque Canadian hockey player and silver medalist in the Olympic Winter Games Jocelyne Larocque speaks to reporters on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, after arriving at the Ottawa International Airport after competing in the Olympic Winter Games. The celebrated Métis pro hockey player is originally from St. Anne, Man. She currently serves as the alternate captain of the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Larocque was the first Indigenous woman to play hockey at the Winter Olympics. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby)
Peter MacDonald Doctor Peter MacDonald speaks at a news conference at the Manitoba legislature in August 2022. The orthopaedic surgeon serves as the head team physician for the Winnipeg Jets and the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. (CTV News Winnipeg)
Ash Modha Mondetta CEO Ash Modha is interviewed in May 2020 in Winnipeg, Man. Modha immigrated to Winnipeg from Uganda as a four-year-old, fleeing the country’s then-dictator Idi Amin. He launched Dimensions 100 Inc., the parent company of Mondetta Clothing, in 1986 while a senior in high school. Today, it is a global company employing hundreds of Manitobans. Modha has also gifted millions of dollars to both local and international causes through the Mondetta Charity Foundation. (CTV News Winnipeg)
brian pallister Former Manitoba premier Brian Pallister unveils his official portrait during a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature on Thursday, March 26, 2026. A graduate of Brandon University’s faculty of education, Pallister taught social studies in Gladstone, Man., before launching a financial services company. He was first elected MLA for Portage la Prairie in 1992, going on to serve as a Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar in 2000. After serving as MLA for Fort Whyte in 2012, he served as Manitoba’s 22nd premier from 2016 to 2022, securing two consecutive majority governments, which he retained until his resignation. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Joss Reimer Doctor Joss Reimer, then the medical lead of Vaccine Implementation for Manitoba Shared Health, addresses media prior to children receiving their first inoculations in the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Convention Centre in Winnipeg on Thursday, November 25, 2021. After her work on the taskforce, Dr. Reimer served as chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and as medical director of public health for the City of Winnipeg. She was most recently appointed as Canada’s chief public health officer. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Diane Roussin Diane Roussin is interviewed in December 2013 in Winnipeg, Man. Considered one of Manitoba’s most influential Indigenous leaders, Roussin spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families and communities. (CTV News Winnipeg)
Billie Schibler lder Billie Schibler (Purple Harvest Woman) is interviewed in January 2023 in Winnipeg, Man. She is the former chief executive officer for Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority and previously served as the Children’s Advocate of Manitoba. Schibler is a Métis Grandmother, Pipe Carrier, Ceremony Keeper and Sun Dancer who is one of the founding members of Manitoba’s Grandmothers Protecting Our Children Council. She conducts ceremonies internationally for the universal healing of Mother Earth. (Michelle Gerwing/CTV News Winnipeg)
Lotfollah Shafai Doctor Lotfollah Shafai is shown in an undated photo. He established the centre of excellence and innovations and wireless communications, antennas and electromagnetics and is the founding director of the University of Manitoba’s Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory. His groundbreaking research has had a profound impact on spacecraft technology, remote sensing and the electromagnetic mapping of Arctic sea ice. (University of Manitoba)
Doug Stephen WOW! Hospitality president Douglas Stephen is pictured at 529 Wellington Steakhouse in February 2024. Launched by the Dauphin, Man., born Stephen, WOW! has been a fixture in Winnipeg’s food scene for nearly half-a-century, establishing venerable eateries like 529 Wellington Steakhouse and Peasant Cookery. Through his philanthropic work, Stephen has supported many organizations like CancerCare Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba and St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. (529 Wellington Steakhouse/Facebook)
