Hamilton writer Lawrence Hill has been named a member of the Order of Canada.

Hill was one of 100 new appointments announced by Gov. Gen. David Johnston on Wednesday.

Hill, the author of 10 books, is being recognized for his contributions as an author and activist who tells the stories of Canada's black community and of women and girls in Africa.

He is known internationally for his award-winning 2007 novel "The Book of Negroes," which won the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book and CBC Radio's Canada Reads. It was adopted into a CBC miniseries last year.

Hill lives in Hamilton with his family.

Also recognized from the area is Barbara Kristina Schmidt (who also lives in Philadelphia) for her contributions to advancing the standard of care for critically ill newborns in Canada and abroad.

Other notables include Toronto Star journalist Barbara Turnbull, who died in May. She received the appointment for her tireless advocacy for spinal cord research, as an author, speaker and advocate.

Douglas Fregin, co-founder of BlackBerry, was recognized for his innovative advancements in communications technology and for his philanthropy.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. It recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society for contributions that have enriched the lives of others.

Recipients will accept their insignia at a ceremony later on.