Local Journalism Initiative
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative, The Northern View
Chief Gidansda Guujaaw from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, received a national excellence award marking King Charles III’s coronation.
BC’s Premier David Eby nominated Guujaaw for his decades of leadership at the Council of the Haida Nation and for protecting and reviving Haida culture.
This award is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. The BC government presented 551 medals to awardees who have significantly contributed to the province, a particular community, or a region.
“This distinguished honour recognizes your dedication, unwavering commitment and the profound impact you have made on your communities and our province. It is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned.”
Premier David Eby
Gidansda Guujaaw has succeeded as an activist, environmentalist, leader, and visionary. He is also an artist, drummer, dancer, carver, canoe builder, singer, carpenter, and copper maker. As an Indigenous rights activist, his efforts in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in the region of Gwaii Haanas becoming a National Park reserve, protecting it from logging.
Under his leadership, in the early 2000s, the Haida Nation initiated its Aboriginal Title case in the BC Supreme Court to seek enhanced autonomy and protection of Haida Gwaii.
“This distinguished honour recognizes your dedication, unwavering commitment and the profound impact you have made on your communities and our province. It is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned,” said Premier David Eby in an August 2024 press release.
All members of the legislative assembly and cabinet ministers were invited to participate in awarding the medals, which were then presented in ceremonies throughout the province.
The awardee list also includes people who have achieved outstanding success abroad, bringing credit to BC The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General administers this medal, and the general public cannot nominate candidates.
Nominating partners include provincial lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners, provincial and territorial governments, members of Parliament, senators, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and several other organizations.
