Laurie Brinklow, Ian Petrie and Kirstin Lund named to Order of P.E.I.
Laurie Brinklow, Ian Petrie and Kirstin Lund are the three Islanders being named to the Order of Prince Edward Island for 2025.
They were selected from a total of 31 people who were nominated this year.
"First awarded in 1996 as the Prince Edward Island Medal of Merit, the Order of Prince Edward Island recognizes Islanders who have shown individual excellence or outstanding leadership in their community or in their chosen profession," Government House said in a news release Friday, issued under the name of the Chancellor of the Order, P.E.I. Lieutenant-Governor Dr. Wassim Salamoun, and B.J. Willis, chair of the Order of Prince Edward Island Advisory Council.
"It is the highest honour that can be accorded to a citizen of the province, and individuals are nominated by their fellow citizens."
A ceremony to honour the new members of the order will be held this fall at Government House in Charlottetown.
"A major figure in the literary life of Prince Edward Island for more than 40 years, Dr. Laurie Brinklow continues to share her enthusiasm and interest in all aspects of the Island through her writings and her role at the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI," the news release said.
Brinklow arrived on the Island in 1983, and went on to play key roles at Ragweed Press and The Acorn Press, the latter of which she founded. She also helped establish the P.E.I. Literary Awards and the P.E.I. Writers' Guild. To this day she is on the publishing committee for Island Studies Press, producing both poetry and non-fiction titles.
A 30-year association with UPEI's Institute of Island Studies has made her an international voice on the issues facing small islands as well as ways to nourish their culture, environment and economy.
"For her continued commitment to promoting the Island's authored excellence, and elevating the lives of those who write it, Dr. Laurie Brinklow is a most deserving recipient of the Order of Prince Edward Island," the news release said.
Kirstin Lund began her career as a lawyer, but was soon drawn to the art and science of conflict resolution, starting her own business in 1996 to offer training and mediation.
The Stratford, P.E.I., resident has been at the forefront of boosting the role of women in the political life of the province, founding the non-partisan P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government in 2004 and spending time as chair of the P.E.I. Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
Lund has also found innovative ways to promote gender inclusion in sports, the news release said, "creating and co-ordinating golf leagues and squash tournaments for women and founding Red Rock 'n Roller Derby, P.E.I.'s first roller derby league. Her Girly Girl Golf Classic has raised funds for critical community organizations such as the P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, and The Adventure Group."
She and several friends also conduct an annual Stocking Angels campaign, collecting and distributing useful gifts for women in need.
"For her actions in safeguarding and empowering women, and her unflagging energy for driving change that enhances community well-being, Kirstin Lund is a most worthy recipient of the Order of Prince Edward Island," the news release said.
"A respected journalist for more than three decades, Ian Petrie's ability to provide balanced and educational reporting on the agricultural and environmental issues of the Island has been influential on processes and policies at all levels," the news release said.
Petrie arrived on the Island to take a CBC News reporting position in 1980, quickly becoming an authoritative voice on many of the environmental and political issues facing the province.
After retiring from CBC News in 2009, he returned to teaching — he had earlier worked as a sessional lecturer in environment studies at Ottawa's Carleton University — and began instructing broadcast journalism students at Holland College in Charlottetown.
In the wake of his second retirement, he continues to write about agriculture for publications including The Island Farmer.
"For his dedication to expanding the understanding of agricultural and rural issues through his informed, balanced reporting, and for his advocacy work on environmental issues, Ian Petrie is a worthy recipient for the Order of Prince Edward Island," the news release said.
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