Governor General honours 4 Yellowknifers who make a difference

Canada's Governor General is in Yellowknife honouring people who've made a meaningful contribution to the community.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston is presenting the Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to four Yellowknifers at city hall.

When people show compassion, creativity and service to others, it produces a "remarkable effect," Johnston said during the start of the ceremony.

"As when a drop of dye is added to a glass of water, the effect is transformative. That's what happens with each of these acts of kindness — it affects the culture around it," he said.

"It has a ripple effect and encourages others to join in."

Sheena Tremblay will be awarded the Meritorious Service Decoration for her work as the driving force behind the Walk to Tuk get-fit challenge. That award recognizes "the extraordinary people who make Canada proud."

"It's neat to know that it's inspired other people," Tremblay said. "It's not just me, there are a lot of people involved in the program. The team captains as well are the ones who are out there in the communities and inspiring their teams to get going."

Fitness campaign in the dead of winter

The campaign encourages people in the Northwest Territories to get out walking in their communities, logging their kilometres walked. The goal is to log 1,658 kilometres — the distance between Fort Providence and Tuktoyaktuk — between the beginning of January and the end of February.

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"People tend to hibernate in the North in the wintertime," Tremblay said. "[Walk to Tuk] is a way to get people out socializing, out of their homes and be active outside."   

The awards presentation began at Yellowknife's city hall at 3:45 p.m. There will also be a public event at the Legislative Assembly at 5 p.m.

The other three people who will be honoured are:

• Mickey Brown, for her volunteer work with the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation.

• Janet Diveky, for improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and organizing the Gumboot Rally.

• David Kellett, for being an active leader of various organizations and major events including the Old Town Ramble and Ride Festival.