Two people from the Midwest region are among the eight recipients of Saskatchewan’s highest honour, the Order of Merit.
A former teacher from Thunderchild First Nation, Senapan Thunder is one of the honorees.
In the 40th year of the program, Senapan is being credited for being a leader for using technology and education to foster the revitalization of nêhiyawêwin, the Cree language and culture.
Senapan uses video, applications, and social media to carry multiple dialects to her audience.
Her efforts include tireless work with the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Language Project and an online adult Cree group called “Cree & Tea.”
Her efforts are seen as a gift to Saskatchewan.
Also being invested is E. Robert Stromberg, K.C. from Cochin. The legal luminary is credited with contributing to the success of Robertson Stromberg LLP as senior partner and helping lead it to national success. His leadership in the privatization of what is now Nutrien and Cameco was critical to developing a “Saskatchewan First” business model.
With his firm, Stromberg developed the business model that allowed First Nations to invest and partner with non-First Nations with a favorable tax and ownership structure.
Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre will invest the 2025 recipients at a formal ceremony in Saskatoon on Thursday, June 5 from 6:30 p.m. It will be streamed online.
