Thirty-six extraordinary Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation residents were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal over the weekend.
During a ceremony at Harris Barn in Ladner Saturday afternoon (Dec. 14), Delta MP Carla Qualtrough honoured three dozen people who have made significant contributions to their community.
The Coronation Medals were awarded to individuals representing a wide spectrum of service, including public leaders, tireless volunteers, advocates, educators, artists and young changemakers, all of whom exemplify the values of community, belonging, and purpose, inspiring the next generation through their dedication and generosity, according to a press release.
鈥淭hese medals honour Delta鈥檚 leaders, changemakers and community heroes 鈥� those who lead us publicly and those who work tirelessly in the background. From the coach mentoring young athletes to the artist fostering creativity and the volunteer ensuring no one goes hungry, each recipient represents the heart and resilience of Delta,鈥� Qualtrough said in a press release.
鈥淒elta is a very special community, and what makes it special is its people. Every day, in every corner of our community, people are making a difference. Whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or service, the people of Delta embody the very best of Canada.鈥�
The following people received medals during Saturday鈥檚 ceremony: Leslie Abramson, Kimberley Arthur-Leung, Barbara Baydala, Peter Broznitsky, John Burr, TFN Chief Laura Cassidy, Julie Chadwick, Gord Collings, Laurel Crosby, Renie D'Aquila, Katherine Dennison, Jane Devji, Laura Dixon, Dr. Avis Glaze, Mayor George Harvie, Jacky Hillairet, John Horton, Victoria Huntington, Christa Kadach Horita, Carlene Lewall, Bruno Marti, Gail Martin, Bruce McDonald, Taylin McGill, Jill McKnight, Elizabeth Breeze Murray, Eliza Olson, Jyla Robinson, Jit Sangha, Major Rev. James Short, Anita Sihota, Dr. Jack Taunton, Elaine White and Bryce Williams.
Announced in 2023 and first awarded that May, the King Charles III Coronation Medal is the first Canadian honour created to mark a coronation. The medal recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province, and is being awarded to 30,000 deserving individuals across the country.
In September, during a small ceremony at Tasty Indian Bistro on Scott Road, Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon presented King Charles III Coronation Medals : youth worker and Indigenous artist Curtis Miller Joe, Delta school board chair Val Windsor, and Sher Vancouver founder Alex Sangha.
During a similarly small celebration days later at Taverna Gorgana Greek restaurant in Ladner, Delta South MLA Ian Paton presented the medal to Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation executive director Lisa Hoglund, third-generation local farmer Mike Guichon, and Judi Stene, the longest serving public servant in Delta.
Other local recipients include retired Delta Police Chief Const. Neil Dubord, who received his medal from B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin during a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on July 18, and former Tsawwassen First Nation chief Kwuntiltunaat (Kim Baird), who received her medal from Austin during a ceremony at HMCS Discovery in Vancouver on Aug. 27.
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