Salt Spring Island’s most celebrated children’s entertainer is being promoted within the Order of Canada, according to a New Year’s Eve announcement from the office of the Governor General, naming singer-songwriter Raffi Cavoukian as a Companion to the Order.
“A beloved songwriter and entertainer, Raffi has dedicated his life to championing children’s rights and well-being,” according to the office of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon. “His songs have impacted generations with his message of love, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As the creator of the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, he has shaped our modern discourse to ensure a safe future for the children of the world.”
“It’s such a great honour to be promoted to Companion, the highest rank in the Order of Canada,” he told the Driftwood after the announcement was made. “My work with the Raffi Foundation For Child Honouring joins my musical offerings in advancing a world fit for children and thus for all of us. It is my privilege to live in Canada and an honour to be of service to the greatest good. I deeply appreciate this recognition.”
Companion is the highest level of the Order of Canada; Cavoukian was invested as a member in 1983 and also to the Order of British Columbia in 2001.
He has several tour dates planned for this summer, and frequently performs locally and participates in events such as Neighbourhood Story Time at the library, which he did just before Christmas.
Cavoukian recently released a new song called “ABC Democracy,” promoting democratic literacy throughout the world and for all ages.