Labor organizer Lynn Jones named to the Order of Canada celebrated in Truro, NS ceremony

TRURO, NS – Lynn Jones was shocked to learn she had been made a member of the Order of Canada.

“It’s only in Canada that if you challenge the government on a daily basis, they turn around and say, ‘I’d like to give you an award,'” Jones joked.

Jones, a labor organizer and an advocate for racial justice and justice, was named alongside fellow Nova Scotians Lydia Adams, a choir director and educator who lives in Glace Bay, and Sheree Fitch, a River John children’s author.

To commemorate the achievement, the City of Truro held a special ceremony for Jones before the start of its monthly council meeting on July 10. Friends and family from her hometown of Truro came out in droves to celebrate with her. A councilor commented that the chambers had never been so full.

While Truro Mayor Bill Mills was unable to confer the title on Jones himself, he did present her with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the City Council for the various endeavors to which she contributed throughout her life.

“Your unwavering leadership in the labor movement, as well as the advancement of equality, justice and human rights, is immeasurable,” Mills said. “Many congratulations on this prestigious award.”

An advocate

El Jones, the former Halifax Poet Laureate, went to the front of the council chamber to recite a poem she wrote titled After Jones — a tapestry of the work Jones has done, even among the inequalities faced she had faced as an African Nova Scotian.

“At a time when black people weren’t meant to grow. Europeans at the top and black people below, they said that’s how the world should go. But none of her family accepted that, so’ El recited.

“More than seven generations of African Nova Scotians arose, and knowing how they tried to control history, they cut magazines, images of pyramids and beautiful black pharaohs,” continued El, referring to Jones’s archival work, some of which can be seen on at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. “Documenting where we came from so we know where to go.”

Jones said she was overwhelmed by the ceremony.

“Something that worries me a lot is when people say I did it all by myself,” said Jones. “You’ll never hear me say that because there are so many people who paved the way, many of you in the room.”

She briefly talked about the philosophy behind her activism.

“It just goes to show you that if you keep struggling, you just keep trying to knock down those walls and barriers, and even though you think it’s harmful and not worth doing, in the last batch of awards like these or other things that tell you, you are respected for doing it.

When Jones finished speaking, the audience rose to give her a standing ovation – an ovation that made Jones good as an earl. Alison Graham delivered her a basket of flowers.

When asked in an interview what Jones thought about being named a member of the Order of Canada after her years of hard work, she referred to the same people who gave her such lavish applause.

“The recognition is the community that came out today,” Jones said. “I’m just overjoyed. They knew it was a short shift, but it says enough for them to take the time to come out, and I really appreciate that.

Five facts

• Lynn Jones of Truro was made a member of the Order of Canada on June 30 by Governor General Mary Simon. She was one of 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including three companions, 22 officers and 60 members. Sheree Fitch of River John was made an officer, while Lydia Adam of Glace Bay was made a member.

• The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honors. It recognizes people in all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the nation.

• Desiderantes meliorem patriam, which translates to ‘They long for a better land’, is the motto of the Order.

• Appointments are made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of an advisory board.

• Since its creation in 1967, the Order of Canada has honored more than 7,800 people.