Two of Trent’s leading luminaries are among 114 new Order of Canada appointments announced recently by the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.

Trent honorary degree recipient and former chancellor Tom Jackson and Trent Indigenous Studies Department co-founder Harvey McCue ’66 will accept their insignia at a future date – Dr. Jackson as a companion of the Order of Canada and Mr. McCue as a member of the Order of Canada. For Dr. Jackson, this honour marks a promotion from the officer of the Order of Canada granted him in 2000.

In their respective citations, Dr. Jackson is being recognized “for his prolific career as an actor and singer, and for his philanthropic initiatives supporting underprivileged people across Canada and abroad” while Mr. McCue has been honoured “for his contributions to the health and well-being of Indigenous youth in Canada, and for his influential leadership in education.”

Born on the One Arrow Reserve near Batoche, Saskatchewan, Dr. Jackson has had a long and acclaimed career as a Canadian television and film actor in addition to releasing a number of folk and country music albums.

Serving at Trent’s tenth chancellor from 2009 until 2013, he brought to that position a giving spirit, his philanthropic work having benefitted Canadians across the country. In honour of his service as chancellor, the Tom Jackson Community Service Bursary was established in his name.

An Anishinabe from the Georgina Island First Nation on Lake Simcoe, and one of Trent’s first Indigenous students, Mr. McCue was one of the founders of the Trent Indigenous Studies department in 1969. He taught at Trent for 14 years, attaining the title of associate professor as well as serving on Trent’s Board of Governors.

A highly respected consultant on Indigenous issues who has served in a number of advisory roles, a support fund initiated in his name in 2018 continues to support Indigenous students studying in the Trent School of Education.

"There are lots of people with whom I share this honour,” noted Mr. McCue of the appointment. “So many friends and colleagues contributed their support and counsel at critical points during my journey. I’m blessed!”

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours, recognizing people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations and whose compassion unites our communities. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada.