The following is being distributed at the request of Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:
At a ceremony today at Government House, Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Barry Petten, Deputy Premier, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, congratulated the remarkable recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipients are receiving the province’s highest honour for their demonstrated excellence and achievement in a variety of fields of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents.
The eight recipients this year are Elaine Kirkland Huxter, Dr. John Mannion, Maura Mannion, Philip Pratt, Major (Retired) Michael James Pretty, CD, Mary M. Reid, Margaret Tibbo and Mary Winters.
With this year’s recipients, there is now a select group of just 159 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Biographies for each recipient can be found in the backgrounder below.
Each recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is nominated for the award and is presented with a medal bearing the shield of Newfoundland and Labrador surmounted by the Crown. Members receive a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor as Chancellor and sealed with the seal of the Order, as well as a miniature medal and a lapel pin. Members of the Order are entitled to use the initials ONL after their names.
Quotes
“Recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador are truly inspiring and those newly invested into the Order today are among our very best. Each person has made remarkable contributions to our province and is deserving of our highest honour. I congratulate the newest members of the Order and I thank each of them for their legacy of positive contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Today, we are proud to celebrate these eight incredible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Their dedication, service, and leadership embody the very best of who we are. On behalf of all residents, I extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the lasting impact they have made on our communities.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Elaine Kirkland Huxter
Elaine Kirkland Huxter of Steady Brook has devoted more than 25 years to volunteer service, enriching communities across Corner Brook, the Bay of Islands, and Newfoundland’s West Coast. Her contributions span health care, housing, education, arts, and culture, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service.
A proud veteran and member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 13, Ms. Huxter is well-known as the bagpiper for Remembrance Day ceremonies and other community events. She is a presenter for Quilts of Valour Canada and served as a board member on the Western Newfoundland Federal Retirees Board. Her dedication to health and social well-being includes volunteering at the cancer unit of Western Memorial Regional Hospital, serving as a councillor for the Town of Steady Brook, and supporting seniors’ housing through Parkview Apartments. She has also championed education as a provincial board member for Canadian Parents for French and through years of involvement with school councils.
Ms. Huxter’s leadership within First United Church has been exceptional, having twice served as board president, chaired annual meetings, and continuing as treasurer and regional delegate. She also served on the board of West Haven United Church Camp and attended camp as an adult volunteer. Her passion for arts and culture is evident through her work with the Rotary Music Festival, Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador, Off Broadway Players, Long Range Quilt Guild, and Writers at Woody Point. She has also held executive roles with the Rotary Club of Corner Brook and the Rotary Arts Centre.
Involvement at Marble Mountain is another side of Ms. Huxter. A longtime volunteer at the hill, she served on the Marble Mountain Ski and Ride Club as president and in other positions, as well as served as a ski instructor for over 20 years.
Ms. Huxter leads by example and is highly respected for her reliability and generosity, often taking on day-to-day tasks and offering her time, energy, and resources to strengthen community life. Her enduring service has left an indelible mark on the social and cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. John Mannion
Dr. John Mannion has devoted more than five decades to documenting and interpreting the Irish experience in Newfoundland and Labrador, making an unparalleled contribution to the province’s cultural heritage and historical scholarship.
As a leading historical geographer and professor at Memorial University, Dr. Mannion’s research has illuminated the patterns of Irish migration and settlement in Newfoundland from the 17th to 19th centuries. His work has provided a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and cultural lives of Irish immigrants and their descendants, shaping academic discourse and public knowledge alike.
Together with his wife and research collaborator, Maura Mannion, Dr. Mannion co-created the Mannion Collection, an extraordinary archive of original records documenting Irish immigration to Newfoundland. This collection, now digitized and globally accessible, comprises more than 150,000 images and thousands of meticulously indexed documents, offering an invaluable resource for genealogical, historical, and cultural research. It has become a cornerstone for scholars and communities seeking to understand the province’s Irish heritage.
Dr. Mannion’s scholarship extends beyond research. Through decades of teaching and mentorship at Memorial University, he inspired generations of students and engaged them in projects that contributed to the development of this landmark collection. His work has strengthened cultural ties between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland and has been recognized internationally for its significance.
Maura Mannion
Maura Mannion has made extraordinary contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador through her lifelong dedication to documenting the Irish experience in this province.
Together with her husband, Dr. John Mannion, Ms. Mannion co-created and co-curated the Mannion Collection, an unparalleled genealogical and historical record of Irish immigrants to Newfoundland from the 17th to 19th centuries. Compiled over decades and now digitized, this collection provides invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and economic lives of thousands of Irish families and their descendants. It has become a globally recognized resource for scholars, genealogists, and communities, ensuring that the stories of these immigrants will endure for generations.
Ms. Mannion’s role in this monumental project was indispensable. She carried out extensive archival research, organized and indexed original records, and fielded inquiries from scholars and the public worldwide. Her work has deepened understanding of the connections between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador and has informed studies in history, genealogy, and even medical research.
Beyond her scholarly contributions, Ms. Mannion has been an active volunteer for decades, serving with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, and the O’Brien Farm Foundation. Her commitment to community service and cultural preservation reflects a profound love for Newfoundland and Labrador and its heritage.
Through her vision, perseverance, and generosity, Ms. Mannion has ensured that the legacy of the Irish in Newfoundland and Labrador remains a vibrant and accessible part of our shared history.
Philip Pratt
Philip Pratt’s architectural legacy has profoundly shaped Newfoundland and Labrador’s built environment, blending innovation with tradition to create spaces that reflect the province’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, his work has elevated the architectural identity of the province and ensured that its heritage remains vibrant and relevant.
Mr. Pratt’s designs are rooted in respect for place. His projects integrate contemporary vision with historical and environmental context, revitalizing spaces while preserving their cultural resonance. Among his many achievements, The Rooms stands as a defining symbol of his philosophy. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this landmark cultural complex houses the Provincial Museum, Art Gallery, and Archives. Inspired by traditional fishing rooms and outport architecture, The Rooms bridges past and future, serving as a space for connection, creativity, and storytelling.
Beyond this iconic project, Mr. Pratt’s portfolio includes heritage restorations, adaptive reuse initiatives, and innovative public and private spaces. His work on the Newman Building in St. John’s, the Swyer’s Premises in Bonavista, and the Manuels River Interpretation Centre exemplifies his commitment to sustainability and cultural continuity. His leadership in heritage planning, such as the St. John’s Heritage Conservation Area Study, has guided preservation efforts across the province.
An alumnus of Memorial University and the University of British Columbia, Mr. Pratt is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. His contributions have earned national recognition and reflect a lifelong dedication to architecture as both a discipline and a cultural practice.
Through his vision and artistry, Mr. Pratt has left an indelible mark on Newfoundland and Labrador’s physical and cultural landscapes, ensuring that its architectural heritage endures for generations to come.
Major (Retired) Michael James Pretty, CD
Major (Retired) Michael James Pretty of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s has dedicated his life to service, first through a distinguished 33‑year military career and later through his tireless efforts to preserve and honour Newfoundland and Labrador’s military history.
Enlisting in the Canadian Forces in 1981, Major Pretty served in the Regular Forces until 2007 and continued with The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Reserve until 2013. His leadership and commitment helped ensure the freedoms enjoyed by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, Canadians, and people around the world.
In 2004, Major Pretty was tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the pilgrimage of the entire Regiment to visit the battlefields of France and Flanders for the 90th anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel in 2006 – the first time the entire Regiment had returned since the First World War. In a call home from the Caribou on the eve of July 1, 2006, his father, Sergeant Arthur Pretty (The Royal Canadian Regiment and The Airborne Regiment), asked him: “What are you going to do to remember all the other Newfoundlanders who served?” Major Pretty made a promise and began his commitment to remember and preserve the stories of the thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all conflicts who served, fought, and at times paid the supreme sacrifice.
Following his retirement, Major Pretty founded the Trail of the Caribou Research Group, whose mission statement is “to raise awareness of the accomplishments and sacrifices of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in military conflicts and peacekeeping missions.”
In a group effort with more than 200 members, Major Pretty leads with the statement that “every story is important” and has been tracking those men and women from Newfoundland and Labrador who served in all branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force), whether in the Military of Newfoundland and Labrador or any other country “ours” served with, including the Merchant Marine, Medical Services, Naval Reserve, and the Forestry Units.
This group has identified 13,000‑plus individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador who served during the First World War alone, correcting historical records and ensuring proper recognition for all those who served. Over the past 20 years, Major Pretty has visited cemeteries in 19 countries across four continents, placing rocks from home, reciting the act of remembrance and playing the Ode to Newfoundland at gravesites of “ours.” His work has also included replacing damaged headstones, adding commemorative plaques, and educating generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about their proud military heritage.
They have identified those from Newfoundland and Labrador who have served in the American Civil War, The War of 1812, the Spanish Civil War and Vietnam.
Major Pretty’s unwavering dedication ensures that the contributions and sacrifices of Newfoundland and Labrador service members will be remembered for generations.
Mary M. Reid
For more than 40 years, Mary Reid has been a devoted advocate for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Working at community, municipal, provincial and federal levels, she has shaped policies, legislation and programs to reflect the inherent rights of people to have equitable access.
Ms. Reid began her work in 1982 in a leadership role with Civic #4, a transitional residence for people with physical disabilities. It was here that she championed independence and individual choice and guided the organization through its transformation into an Independent Living Resource Centre.
Ms. Reid’s early work was one of creating partnerships with other organizations, individuals and government offices. This approach carried on throughout her career.
Ms. Reid was also active on the national scene, contributing to the work of organizations which promoted the disability rights and independent living movements.
Ms. Reid took a leadership role within the City of Ottawa as their first Accessibility Officer, to assist in their preparations for provincial accessibility legislation. She then returned to the province to join the public service of the provincial government as the first director of a new Disability Policy Office. Ms. Reid brought her leadership and advocacy work into this role as she and her office worked across government departments to improve services, communications, decision-making processes, policies and legislation. Her work focused on changing the environment so people with disabilities had equitable access. Ms. Reid led the province’s first Inclusion strategy and three-year action plan: both designed to identify, remove and prevent barriers experienced by people with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Ms. Reid worked collaboratively with disability organizations and governments to identify and remove barriers – barriers that are physical, systemic and attitudinal.
Ms. Reid served as Vice-Chairperson of Accessibility Standards Canada – a federal government corporation established to develop accessibility standards. Once again, this was in an inaugural role, where she brought leadership and advocacy into the initial establishment of a new initiative.
More recently, Ms. Reid, with Joanne MacDonald, co-led the History of Disability Rights project. Through this initiative, the stories, experiences and milestones of disabilities rights within the province are preserved in perpetuity. Future organizations, policy and decision-makers, researchers, academics, and the public can access video oral histories and documents that record the experiences, decisions, ups and downs of a continuing quest for securing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Ms. Reid’s unwavering commitment to disability justice left an impact on the landscape of inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her commitment to placing lived experience at the centre of policy, legislation and services encourages and reminds decision makers of this essential element. Ms. Reid’s work and advocacy contributed to a growing culture of equity, accessibility and inclusion.
Margaret Tibbo
Margaret Tibbo has devoted more than four decades to advancing inclusion in sport for persons with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her vision and leadership have transformed the province’s sporting community, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have opportunities to participate and compete.
Ms. Tibbo began her volunteer work in the late 1970s and quickly became a driving force for adaptive sport. She served as the Newfoundland and Labrador representative for the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing for 37 years, holding positions on its board and executive. As Manager of the Canadian Para Nordic Ski Team for 15 years, she supported athletes at Paralympic Games, World Championships, and national competitions, and played a key role in para ski demonstration events at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games. She became a certified instructor in both alpine and cross country/para nordic skiing and co-wrote an instruction manual for para nordic skiing. In 1998-2000, she was a member of the committee that facilitated para nordic skiing move from the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing to Cross Country Canada, the National Sport Governing Body for Cross Country Skiing.
Her contributions extend far beyond skiing. Ms. Tibbo introduced the first ice sledges and Boccia to Newfoundland and Labrador, enabling provincial athletes to compete nationally and internationally, and helped two young athletes represent Canada at the World Dwarf Games. She has worked tirelessly to grow para swimming and collaborated with provincial sport organizations to make the Newfoundland and Labrador Games inclusive. As a founding member of Rainbow Riders, Therapeutic Riding NL, and as President and Founding Member of Parasport NL, Ms. Tibbo has championed accessibility and inclusion across multiple disciplines, including para hockey, sailing, athletics, rowing and supported the development of Wheelchair Basketball. She has coached a number of sports and is a National Level Classifier and Referee for Boccia Canada and currently sits on the board of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association as First Vice-President and is the liaison with Horses in Education and Therapy International.
Ms. Tibbo was also a founding member of the Tumblehome Recreational Canoe Club and was an instructor with training in adapted techniques under the Canadian Recreational Canoe Association.
Over the years, grant writing, fundraising and equipment modification have been a part of the journey.
Through her unwavering commitment, Ms. Tibbo has created lasting change, building a sporting community that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
Mary Winters
Mary Winters has devoted more than five decades to volunteerism in sport and community life in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, leaving an indelible mark on Labrador’s cultural and athletic landscape. Her leadership, dedication, and trailblazing spirit have inspired generations of athletes and volunteers.
Ms. Winters began volunteering in the late 1960s as a minor softball coach, often walking to the field with her children in a stroller. She coached for nearly two decades and served as assistant coach for the silver medal-winning women’s fast-pitch team from Labrador at the 1984 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. When her coaching career ended, Ms. Winters broke barriers as an umpire in a male-dominated sport, becoming the first female umpire at the National Men’s Slow Pitch Championships in 1987 in Marystown.
Her contributions extended beyond the diamond. Ms. Winters played a pivotal role in the Labrador Winter Games for over 40 years, co-founding the official daily newspaper, The Northern Star, sitting on the Results committee and later chairing the VIP Hostess Committee. She also was the team coordinator for the Happy Valley-Goose Bay team in 1989 which won the Premier’s Cup as the first-place team overall at the Games. She served as a board member for the Games in recent years, bringing invaluable historical knowledge to the event, and she continues to volunteer with the Games. Ms. Winters also held executive roles with the Lake Melville Minor Hockey Association and was active in fundraising efforts that supported youth participation in provincial tournaments.
Ms. Winters was also an accomplished athlete, a fast runner in high school where she won numerous first-place ribbons. She was an athlete at the first Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in 1974. She also played broomball and fast pitch softball from the 1960s to the mid-1970s until a double knee surgery ended her sporting endeavors. She won various awards in those sports, such as Top Defender and MVP of the Playoffs.
Ms. Winters has been instrumental in organizing many sporting events such as softball and hockey tournaments in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. She is currently planning the 75th anniversary celebrations of organized softball in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the summer of 2026.
A proud beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (Nunatsiavut Government), Ms. Winters has been a role model for Indigenous female athletes and a champion for inclusion in sport. Her commitment to community service has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Labradorian of Distinction and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Community Builder Award. Through her tireless efforts, Ms. Winters has strengthened the fabric of her community and created opportunities that will benefit Labradorians for many years to come.