Adrienne Clarkson
Adrienne Clarkson
The 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005) since Confederation in 1867, when Canada became a nation, Adrienne Clarkson is universally acknowledged to have transformed the office during her six years at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Canada’s head of state, and to have left an indelible mark on Canada’s history. Her tenure as Governor General was remarkable for her passionate interest in Canada’s North, and in the circumpolar nations as a whole, which led her to establish the Governor General’s Northern Medal, awarded annually to an individual who has contributed outstandingly to our understanding and development of the North. In particular, her interest in the Aboriginal peoples was remarkable and has helped push the question of native peoples in Canada to the forefront of national discussion.
Madame Clarkson’s official titles include membership in the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada (PC), Companion of the Order of Canada (CC), Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM), Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM) and the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD). National Post Columnist John Fraser remarked that Adrienne Clarkson “has the ability, unique among public officials, of making Canadians feel good about themselves and their country.” This talent was recognized by the Blood Tribe of Alberta who adopted her as an honorary chief. Madame Clarkson is proud to have the title “Grandmother of Many Nations.”
https://adrienneclarkson.com/biography
