It was a full circle moment for a CFL superstar whose game included giving back.
Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris was one of 12 Order of Manitoba recipients honoured at the Manitoba legislature on Thursday.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” Harris said after the ceremony while holding one of his sons in his arms.
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Lieutenant governor Anita Neville (left) high-fives Axton Harris, age three, after his dad, Andrew Harris, was awarded the Order of Manitoba at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Thursday.
Harris joined Juno award-winning artist Chantal Kreviazuk, Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Joss Reimer, former premier Brian Pallister and others who have enriched the province, said Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville as she honoured the recipients.
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One-year-old Eastyn Harris checks out his dad’s new Order of Manitoba medal at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Thursday.
Harris wiped away tears as the crowd applauded the five-time Grey Cup champion’s accomplishments, which include “Harris’ Heroes,” an outreach program he started in Winnipeg to have youth attend games, meet players and learn about the power of sport. He said the tears flowed when his thoughts turned to the children.
“When you’re in the moment, you’re just working away and you’re trying to be successful, to be excellent and compete every day,” said Harris. The full circle moment is right now — when you can help youth and people in the communities have better situations.”
“Passing that forward has been an unbelievable process, and I’m loving every minute of it,” he said.
Chantal Kreviazuk, honoured for her 30-year career in the music business, raised both fists above her head when it was mentioned she changed the lyrics to O Canada when she performed the anthem during a 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and the U.S. in 2025.
The multi-platinum artist sang “that only us command” instead of “in all of us command” to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Canada becoming the “51st state.”
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Recording artist Chantal Kreviazuk was honoured for her 30-year career in the music business.
“It’s quite surreal,” the Before You singer said after receiving the honour from her home province.
Celebrating with her family, she said she owes everything to her mom and dad, Carol and Jon.
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Dr. Joss Reimer receives the Order of Manitoba Thursday.
“I actually feel that it’s more for my parents than anything in terms of the joy of the experience and having them as my witnesses — it’s really a hat tip to them.”
She said her story is one of luck, kindness, grace and opportunities from others.
“When you have a child who shows gifts from when they’re little, there’s a long story between a gift being displayed and it actually becoming an awarded journey,” said Kreviazuk, who was also recognized for her charitable work.
“How to navigate that is extraordinary. That’s not easy.”
The government of Manitoba’s chief of protocol, Bradley Robertson, said Pallister offered steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic during a time of unprecedented turmoil. Pallister said the accolade was a recognition of sacrifices made — not by him — but by family who stood by his side.
“In political life, as in many endeavours, you can’t really do it without the support of friends and family,” he said, mentioning his parents, wife and daughters.
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Former Manitoba premier Brian Pallister said receiving the accolade was a recognition of sacrifices made by family who stood by his side.
Others welcomed into the Order of Manitoba include Professional Women’s Hockey League superstar and four-time Olympic medallist Jocelyne Larocque, internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon Peter MacDonald, former Manitoba’s Métis Child & Family Services Authority CEO elder Billie Schibler, Indigenous leader Diane Roussin, founder of the WOW! Hospitality Group Douglas Stephen and international satellite and wireless communications leader Dr. Lotfollah Shafai. Opera star Tracy Dahl and Mondetta Clothing co-founder Ash Modha were also named as recipients, but were not present.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Wab Kinew, Heritage Minister Nellie Kennedy, said the Order of Manitoba is a small expression of gratitude to people who have changed the province for the better, saying it’s the recipients in the room who make Manitoba the “best province, in the best country in the whole wide world.”
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
The newest Order of Manitoba recipients at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Thursday.
morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca
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