Michelle Good, Ziya Tong Honored as New Order of Canada Members

Michelle Good and Ziya Tong have been appointed as new members of the Order of Canada, as announced on December 31. They are among 80 individuals receiving this honor from Governor General Mary Simon.

Order of Canada Appointments

The recent appointments include six companions, the highest level, 15 officers, and 59 members. Good and Tong both received the title of member, a significant acknowledgment of their contributions.

Michelle Good: A Voice for Reconciliation

Michelle Good is known for her advocacy and literary contributions. A member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, she is a retired lawyer and an accomplished Cree writer.

• Appointed for her work related to reconciliation, truth, and respect.
• Author of the acclaimed novel “Five Little Indians,” which won Canada Reads in 2022.
• Recipient of the Governor General’s Literary Award for fiction in 2020.
• Also wrote “Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada.”

Ziya Tong: Champion of Animal Rights

Ziya Tong, a prominent author, broadcaster, and science journalist, is based in Toronto and Vancouver. Her appointment recognizes her commitment to animal rights through media.

• Won Canada Reads in 2019 for defending Max Eisen’s memoir, “By Chance Alone.”
• Published her influential book, “The Reality Bubble” in the same year.
• Her accolades include the 2019-2020 Lane Anderson Award for science writing.

Other Notable Appointees

Along with Good and Tong, Toronto children’s author Elizabeth MacLeod received membership. MacLeod has penned over 70 nonfiction titles, including works highlighting influential Canadians.

Additionally, Quebec writer Hans-Jürgen Greif was honored for his significant contributions to literature. His work primarily focuses on writing in French.

This year’s appointments reflect a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, including Olympians, journalists, Indigenous leaders, and medical professionals, all recognized for their impactful work across Canada.