Recipients-2003

Front row: L - R: Premier John Hamm, Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman, Lawrence Freeman, Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Order of Nova Scotia Act; Back row: L - R: Sister Dorothy Moore, Sydney Mines; David Alexander Colville, Wolfville; Shirley Burnham Elliott, Wolfville; R. Hugh Allan (Buddy) MacMaster, Judique; Robert Arnold Burden, Springhill.

		Dr. Robert Arnold Burden, O.N.S., M.D.C.M., L.M.C.C. (Deceased) Springhill In 1956, after an explosion rocked Springhill's No. 4 mine, he was the first doctor to go underground, making three trips, barefaced, to help in rescue operations. Following the No. 2 Bump in 1958, he did it again, spending a total of 33 hours underground. He is a community leader, artist, craftsman, and author, who has used his abilities over a lifetime to serve his country and community. Born in Springhill, he served in the Medical Corps from 1941 to 1945, then obtained his medical degree from Dalhousie University. After practising in Prince Edward Island, he returned to Springhill in 1957. He was Chief of Staff at All Saints Hospital and served on numerous medical boards and committees. A life member of the Springhill Rotary and the Royal Canadian Legion, he has received the Carnegie Hero Award and the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.
		The Honourable David Alexander Colville, P.C., C.C., O.N.S. (Deceased) Wolfville He is an artist, teacher, independent thinker, and concerned and involved citizen, whose paintings have become part of our national consciousness. A graduate of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, he served in the Canadian army as a war artist. He returned to Mount Allison as a teacher and has seen many of his students go on to achieve national prominence. Since his first solo exhibit in 1951, he has exhibited throughout Canada and internationally. A resident of Wolfville since 1973, he is deeply committed to his community and his country, serving as chancellor of Acadia University, as well as on the Canada Council and the boards of the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. He has received numerous awards and honorary degrees: in 1967 he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and in 1982 he was elevated to Companion of the Order of Canada, in 1992 he was appointed to the Privy Council and in 2003 he received the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts.
		Ms. Shirley Burnham Elliott, O.N.S., M.A., S.B., D.C.L., LL.D. (Deceased) Wolfville An outstanding scholar, librarian, author, community volunteer, and mentor, she is respected, admired, and trusted for her contributions to Nova Scotian heritage. As Legislative Librarian from 1954 to 1982, she integrated all of the valuable materials around Province House into a collection of Nova Scotiana unparalleled in the province. At the same time she transformed the Legislative Library into a modern research library. Her books and articles are key resources for researchers and students, creating in Nova Scotians a clear understanding of our province's long, colourful, and rich history. Since retiring to her birthplace, Wolfville, where she now resides, both Wolfville and Acadia University have benefited from her vision and her commitment to community, including the transformation of the Wolfville train station into the town's public library.
		Mr. Hugh Allan (Buddy) MacMaster, C.M., O.N.S., LL.D. (Deceased) Judique A master Cape Breton fiddler, his music has been described as soul stirring, irresistible, cheering, and life affirming. He played his first tune at age 11, his first public performance at age 12, and his first dance at 14. He is a gifted teacher, both musically and personally, leading workshops in Canada, the United States, and Scotland. Generous with his time and talent, he has donated countless hours to community events in his hometown of Judique and elsewhere, and he has served as a municipal councillor and school board chairman for Inverness County. He was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from St. Francis Xavier University and was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2001. His contributions and his influence on a new generation of fiddlers have made Nova Scotia a musical stronghold in the Celtic tradition.
		Sister Dorothy Moore, C.M., O.N.S, M.Ed, L.L.D., C.S.M., B.Ed., B.A. Sydney Mines An exceptional and inspirational educator, a respected Elder, and a role model to many young Mi'kmaw students, she has devoted much of her time to the preservation and restoration of the Mi'kmaw language and culture. After many years as a teacher and principal in public schools and on reserve she joined the University College of Cape Breton as native education coordinator and native studies consultant. In 10 years, she saw native enrolment grow from 9 to 200 full-time and part-time students. As Director of Mi'kmaq Services with the Nova Scotia Department of Education she was instrumental in the development of the provincial Mi'kmaw language curriculum, which is open to all students. She serves on numerous boards, including the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, and she is presently Education Consultant for the Membertou Reserve, her home community.