Nunavik entrepreneur and pilot inducted to Officer of Order of Canada

Johnny Adams receives one of country’s highest honours in Ottawa Thursday

Entrepreneur and pilot Johnny Adams was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday. (Photo by Kierstin Williams)

By Kierstin Williams

Nunavik entrepreneur and aviator Johnny Adams was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada during a ceremony Thursday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Adams, who is from Kuujjuaq, was one of 12 appointees named to the second-highest level of the Order, which recognizes achievement and merit of a high degree for service to Canada.

“Entrepreneur and pilot Johnny Adams has helped transform Nunavik’s economic and social development as co-founder of several regional air services,” said Ken MacKillop, secretary to the governor general, while addressing the roomful of appointees and guests.

“His dedication to Indigenous-owned organizations is reflected in his many endeavours.”

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who is also from Nunavik, placed the red and white snowflake-shaped insignia of the Order on Adams.

Adams served in the merger between First Air and Canadian North and is currently executive chairman of Canadian North.

He is co-founder of several regional air services, including Atai Air Charters, Helicopters-Ungava, Nunavik Rotors Inc., and InnuKoptéres Inc. He also held several elected positions in Kuujjuaq, serving as a hamlet councillor in 1987 and mayor between 1991 and 1997.

In 2006, Adams was appointed a knight of the National Order of Quebec, bestowed by the province’s lieutenant-governor.

Other Indigenous people appointed as members to the Order of Canada on Thursday included Savage Bear from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, John William Beaucage from Wasauksing First Nation, Harley Crowshoe from Piikani Nation, and Patricia Ningewance Waabi-bizhikiikwe from Lac Seul First Nation.

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(4) Comments:

  1. Posted by Esquimau Joe©️ on

    Celebrating Capitalism/Communism for one individual of all of Nunavik 🤑

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  2. Posted by NUNAVIMIUK on

    Our ruling elite , patting each others back , mean while 5, 10 ,14 people leaving in 3 bedrooms here in nunavik.

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    • Posted by Nunavimmiu on

      I would suggest you start up a business and see how well of equal opportunities and support will come your way, it’s quite surprisingly easy.

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  3. Posted by peter thomas on

    Congrats, well deserved.

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