Sister Bernadette O’Reilly and Sister Margaret Hughes have been inducted into the Order of Canada.
The ceremony was held on June 6, 2023, at Trinity House in Saskatoon.
The Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Saskatchewan, was in attendance to hand out the prestigious award.
The ceremony was live-streamed on YouTube and can still be viewed:
Both Sister Margaret and Sister B., as she is affectionately known at Rossbrook House, are beloved and respected at Rossbrook House. Their dedication to the children and youth of Rossbrook House is well documented through their work. Both have been inducted as members of the Order of Canada.
“The complementary team of Sister Bernadette and Sister Margaret put reconciliation into their actions since moving into the inner-city of Winnipeg in the 1970’s. Their presence and humour made them a joy to be around, and in times of sorrow, they knew how to stand by others,” Former Rossbrook House Executive Director Phil Chiappetta said when the nomination was announced in 2022. “They both loved and built community through their work and their lives. They showed up, they were present.”
READ MORE about the contributions that Sister Margaret and Sister Bernadette made to Rossbrook House and the community before they moved to Saskatchewan in 2019.
“Sister Bernadette was a true leader who walked side by side young people as they shaped her life at Rossbrook House. Sister Margaret was an action-oriented legend through innovative work at her beloved Wi Wabigooni elementary school program. No opportunity for the students was left unturned,” Phil added.
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honors, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Sister Geraldine MacNamara, who helped to create Rossbrook House in 1976, also received the Order of Canada in 1983. WATCH the video here.
