Five members of the UBC Arts community have been appointed to the Order of Canada, joining others with ties to UBC as current and former faculty, alumni, and honorary degree recipients.
This year’s Arts appointees are honoured for contributions ranging from biomedical ethics and reconciliation to independent media, environmental advocacy, and groundbreaking sound research.
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions, recognizing people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities. Its Companions, Officers and Members take to heart the motto Desiderantes meliorem patriam (“They desire a better country”).
Read the full list of recipients here.
Officers of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
Judy Illes, O.C., Associate Faculty, UBC Department of Philosophy and School of Journalism
Judy Illes is a distinguished university scholar at the University of British Columbia and director of Neuroethics Canada. An esteemed mentor and collaborator, she has made groundbreaking contributions to biomedical ethics and neuroscience, and is a proponent of Indigenous knowledge as a vital source for reframing Western medicine.
This is a promotion within the Order.
Members of the Order of Canada (C.M.)
Michelle Frances Good, C.M., Alum (LLB’99, MFA’14), UBC Faculty of Arts
Michelle Good is a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation who is esteemed for her work as an activist, lawyer and storyteller. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop and the intergenerational trauma of the residential school system, she has confronted laws that continue to hurt Indigenous communities and advocates reconciliation, truth and respect.
Nardwuar the Human Serviette, C.M., Alum (BA’90), UBC Faculty of Arts
Nardwuar the Human Serviette is a music journalism and popular culture innovator. As an independent music, and campus and community radio advocate, he has helped shape our identity, while also earning a devoted global following through his distinctive interview style, tireless research, and support for rising stars and celebrated names.
Ziya Tong, C.M., Alum (BA’94), UBC Faculty of Arts
Ziya Tong, a broadcaster, author, science journalist and filmmaker, is dedicated to making science accessible. This respected environmental advocate highlights urgent issues like the climate crisis and wildlife conservation while promoting actionable solutions. A long-serving member of various boards and organizations, she remains committed to advancing awareness and animal rights through education and media.
- Related: UBC Arts alumni Q&A with Ziya Tong
Barry Truax, C.M., Alum (MMus’71), UBC Faculty of Arts
Barry Truax is a leading authority in acoustic communication and electroacoustic music. This professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University created innovative tools and techniques used in his genre-defining compositions such as Riverrun (1986). As an original member of the World Soundscape Project, he has made significant contributions to acoustic ecology.
