SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Two Yellowknife men were made Knights of the Order of St. John in the Great Hall of the legislative assembly on May 11.

The pair were knighted by chancellor Richard Bruce of the Priory of Canada for their involvement in the Priory, which is most commonly known as St. John Ambulance.

Outgoing commissioner Tony Whitford and Darin Reeves, assistant director of corrections for the GNWT, were both knighted in classic fashion - the pair knelt before the chancellor, who ceremoniously tapped them each three times on the left shoulder with a sword.

"More than just a recognition of his service to the people of the Northwest Territories and as an ambassador, this knighthood gives further momentum to his reputation as one of our most dynamic and selfless humanitarians in the North," Bruce said of Whitford.

Bruce said Reeves distinguished himself by 22 years of volunteer work, and years of teaching first aid in remote Northern communities.

Reeves also served as a board member of the St. John Ambulance's NWT and Nunavut council since 1999 and was chair of the board from 2005 to 2009.

"His strong advocacy of the people of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut has enabled St. John Canada to have a deeper appreciation of the North and its people," said Bruce.

Reeves told Yellowknifer that since he left the board he has "returned to his roots."

"I've returned to being an instructor of first aid, and a volunteer with St. John Ambulance," Reeves said.

He added it is "humbling" to be knighted, but his years of volunteer work were never done for glory.

"It's always been about trying to provide services to the communities and to help others, not about trying to obtain the awards or designation," said Reeves.

"I think the only responsibility that comes with (being knighted) is I still maintain the objectives of the organization - being a humanitarian, doing charity, and being a positive influence in the communities."