On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Fabienne Colas Foundation announced that its President and Founder, Fabienne Colas, Haitian-Canadian, has been appointed by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours.

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada celebrates exceptional achievements and recognizes individuals from all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to Canada.

This high distinction brings great recognition to the exceptional work that Fabienne Colas has been doing for 20 years in Canada.

A leading figure in cultural diversity in the country, Fabienne Colas has dedicated herself to promoting diversity and inclusion in film, art and culture, in Canada and abroad. Through the Fabienne Colas Foundation, she has been a cornerstone in the creation of incubators, training programs, events and festivals that have brought thousands of Afro-descendant artists to North America.

"Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they expand the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue to push the boundaries. I thank you for your perseverance, your fearless leadership and your visionary spirit, and I welcome you to the Order of Canada," said the Governor General.

Reacting to this distinction, Fabienne Colas said, "It is a privilege and an immense honour to be appointed to the Order of Canada. As a Canadian of Haitian origin [born in Port-au-Prince on March 18, 1979] and a Montrealer, I take it with great humility, gratitude and pride. I dedicate this incredible recognition to my family, to my dedicated team at the Fabienne Colas Foundation and to all visible minority artists who work in the shadows or are trying to make themselves heard. This unprecedented recognition allows me to continue to build bridges in the arts for a more inclusive society."

As a new Member of the Order of Canada, Fabienne Colas will be invited to a later ceremony to be invested into the Order and receive her insignia.

HL/ HaitiLibre