Geraldine Van Bibber, the chancellor of Yukon College and a former commissioner of the Yukon, has been named a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston announced 113 new appointments to the Order of Canada today, the day before Canada Day, in Ottawa. Van Bibber is the only Yukoner on the list and one of three northerners.

One is Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Northwest Territories. The other is sculptor Abraham Anghik Ruben, who grew up in Paulatuk, N.W.T. and who lives on Salt Spring Island, B.C.

Speaking to the Star this morning, Van Bibber described her feelings about receiving the honour as “stupendous, wonderful, over the moon, confused – it’s great.

“The work that I’ve done has been both challenging and interesting, and made me grow as a woman and a First Nations woman, and it’s been an honour.”

Established in Canada’s centennial year, 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes “outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.”

There are three levels: Companion, which recognizes national excellence or international service or achievement; Officer, which honours national service and achievement; and Member, which recognizes exceptional contributions at the local level, or in a certain field.

Since its inception, more than 6,000 people have been named to the Order.

“Looking at the other 29 Yukoners that have received it – Elijah Smith, Alex Van Bibber, my uncle by marriage, Ione Christensen – it’s great company to be in,” said Van Bibber.

A citizen of the Tetlit Gwich’in Nation, Van Bibber was born and grew up in Dawson.

She has been active in the Yukon tourism industry, starting as a partner in her family’s tourism business, Minto Resorts, which operated a campground and bus tour lunch facility halfway between Dawson and Whitehorse. She did that for nearly 20 years.

Van Bibber has held seats on several territorial and national boards relating to tourism and running a small business. She played a key role in the creation of the Yukon First Nation Tourism Association in 1992.

“It was an opportunity to try to encourage more people to get involved in sharing the culture and sharing the arts, and for people who wanted to be in business, to give them a voice,” she said of the association.

“I didn’t think TIAY (Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon) at the time was speaking to the issues, and they were very welcoming and open to that avenue (First Nations tourism) as well.”

Beyond tourism, Van Bibber was administrator of the Yukon (a.k.a. the deputy commissioner) from 2001 to 2005, and commissioner from 2005 to 2010.

With a background in tourism, Van Bibber was well-suited to the role of commissioner. “It was a wonderful opportunity to spread the message about how wonderful the Yukon is,” she said.

In 2006 and again in 2009, Van Bibber was appointed Commander of the Order of St. John, a charity that aims to improve the health and safety of Canadians by providing first aid training and emergency assistance.

Van Bibber started the Yukoners’ Cancer Care Fund in January 2013. In her long and varied career, she has spoken nationally and internationally about First Nations tourism in Canada.

Van Bibber said she was raised in “a wonderful foster home,” and learned the value of community service in Dawson.

“I think it’s the way we grew up in the rural community; we’re always involved in helping others,” she said.

Now, she added, “it’s just a natural thing for me to step up to the plate any time someone needs help. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, but I do like helping people; it’s a great learning experience.”

But as a young Dawsonite, Van Bibber didn’t long to be in the public eye, like some kids do.

“I was a very shy child,” she said.

Somewhere along the way though, she said, “I found my voice and I never looked back.” Today, that shy girl from Dawson is the college’s chancellor and senior community advisor to the premier.

Earlier this month, she announced her bid to become the Yukon Party candidate in Porter Creek North for the coming election.

“I think it’s important for people to step up and do their part, like I’ve always done; I’m always at the front lines,” she said.

“Coming from that shy kid in Dawson to where I am today, I am truly blessed.”

By Sidney Cohen Star Reporter