Two recipients received the last King Charles III Coronation Medals in Island and Coast ceremonies.
Starting in February, multiple medal ceremonies took place on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, with each one dedicated to celebrating those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province.
North Island – Powell River MP Rachel Blaney says the last two ceremonies saw medals given to Tla’amin Nation knowledge keeper and Elder Elsie Paul in Powell River and Chief ’Max̱waya̱lidzi Ko’di Nelson in Alert Bay.
Blaney says for Paul, she’s represented her community on Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council’s Elders Council since July of 2016.
“She was elected to Band Council and served with them until she retired in 1999,” said Blaney.
“She holds an honorary Doctorate degree from Vancouver Island University and has co-authored a book, Written as I Remember it: Teachings From the Life of a Sliammon Elder. In 1972 Elsie took on the position of Administrator in the Social Services Department in Tla’amin, where she worked for 24 years. She was one of the founders of the Tsow-Tun-Lelum House Treatment Centre, she served as Justice of the Peace in Victim Support Services and Aboriginal Policing, and she also taught part-time at Malaspina College.”
Paul’s ceremony was held privately in Tla’amin on March 14.
Blaney says for Nelson, he gets the medal for founding the Nawalakw and holding a seat in the governance system of the Musǥa̱makw Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w.
“K’odi believes that deep healing for Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people begins with a reconnection to their land, their language and their cultural heritage,” said Blaney.
“His vision is that Kwak’wala will once again be spoken fluently by youth and elders alike. The multi-phase project includes a language and culture camp, training and capacity-building programs, and food sovereignty with a 2.5 acre farm that supplies healthy and sustainable foods grown and harvested locally.”
Nelson’s ceremony happened at Gordie’s Restaurant on March 15.
