Gordon Downie sure is having a mix of awful and amazing year.
In 2016, Downie shared his terminal cancer diagnosis with the world, went on an acclaimed tour, and launched a project dear to his Canadian heart concerning the First Nations, and residential schools, Secret Path.
"This is about Canada. We are not the country we thought we were. History will be rewritten,” Downie wrote in a statement.
Recently, he was also honoured at the Assembly of First Nations. His tears speak for his emotion receiving the eagle feather, and a new name: Wicapi Omani (Man Who Walks Among The Stars).
This country-wide influence has inspired editors all over, naming him the Canadian Press Newsmaker of the Year with 26 votes (39%) in the survey. This makes it the first time and entertainer is awarded the title in the 70 year of Newsmaker history. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was right behind with 27% of the votes.