Eight people were invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in a ceremony at Government House today.

The eight are:

Musician Bud Davidge of Simani fame, Newfoundland pony advocate Clifford George, athlete Liam Hickey, Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, actor Andy Jones, entrepreneur Patrick O’Callaghan, diabetes advocate Guy Poole, and educator/musician Andrea Rose.

Premier Andrew Furey commended the eight for their contributions.

“Your passion and sense of service and sense of civic duty are deeply rooted in your sense of who you are, your sense of community and sense of being a Newfoundlander and Labradorians,” he said.

Lt-Gov. Joan Marie Aylward says this year is especially important given the 75th anniversary of Confederation.

“Those invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador are role models, leaders and trailblazers,” she said.

It’s the 17th investiture of the province’s highest honour.

To date, just 151 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are members of the Order.