Saeed El-Darahali appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia

Saeed El-Darahali appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia

Saeed El-Darahali has been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. El-Darahali is a well-known business founder, entrepreneur, educator, board member and engaged volunteer.

The Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour in the Province of Nova Scotia, recognizing those who have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavour and have made lasting contributions.

Five Nova Scotians who have enriched the province in unique ways have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia.

Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, released the names of the Order’s newest members on December 7. The announcement also marks the 20th anniversary of the Order’s establishment.

“As we celebrate 20 years of excellence, I am greatly impressed by those who have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia,” said Lt.-Gov. LeBlanc. “Their accomplishments are outstanding, and they are exemplary citizens.”

“We are proud that Mr. Saeed El-Darahali, a former Board Member of the Ummah Masjid and Community Center (UMCC), is the first Muslim ever to receive this decorated distinction,” said Ummah Masjid And Community Center in a social media post.

“As a former Board Member of the UMCC, Mr. El-Darahali steered and contributed immensely towards fomenting the long-term strategic plan of our organization and we are glad to see that many other organizations in Nova Scotia benefited from his acumen and entrepreneurial endeavours.”

“Our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Mr. El-Darahali for this distinguished award. We also wish to extend our congratulations to his family and hope that Mr. El-Darahali will continue to serve his community and  Nova Scotia for years to come.”

The 2021 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia are:

  • Ronald Bourgeois, Chéticamp: songwriter, artist, producer and cultural ambassador
  • Lee Cohen, Halifax: lawyer, social justice advocate, refugee clinic organizer and mentor
  • Saeed El-Darahali, Dartmouth: business founder, entrepreneur, educator, board member and engaged volunteer
  • Paula Marshall, Eskasoni: Mi’kmaq rights advocate, restorative justice leader, legal support network organizer and public speaker
  • Wanda Robson, North Sydney: human rights advocate, author, public speaker, and community leader.