Tyendinaga physician 'surprised' of her Order of Ontario appointment

Dr. Jamaica Cass is one of 30 named to the 2025 class.

One of the recent recipients of the Order of Ontario was taken back when learning she was part of the 2025 class.

Dr. Jamaica Cass was one of 30 named to Order on Tuesday by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont. Cass is a primary care physician in Tyendinaga and a director with the health education program in the faculty of health sciences at Queen's University.

She says news of her appointment came as a bit of a surprise.

Cass is being recognized for her work in Indigenous health and medical education. She is the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn both a Doctor of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Cass believes her appointment will bring more awareness about Indigenous health.

Cass hopes this will inspire other Indigenous individuals who want to make a difference.

Other people named to the 2025 Order of Ontario include broadcaster Tracy Moore, Cameron Bailey of the Toronto International Film Festival, media executive Edward Rogers, and former hockey coach and broadcaster Don Cherry. 

Cass says she is honoured and excited to be part of this distinguished group.

A ceremony honouring the 2025 Order of Ontario recipients will be taking place in Toronto later this year.

Story by Ken Hashizume