Today Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) hosted a King Charles III Coronation Medal Ceremony to honor the remarkable contributions of Métis Citizens to their communities, province, and country.
The medal was created to commemorate King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023 and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and leadership. Our people are the heart of our Nation and we were so pleased to be able to honor these recipients who exemplify the spirit and values of the Métis community.
Below is a list of today's medal recipients and their bios.
Coronation Medal Recipients
Alan Thomas Edkins – Senator Alan Thomas Edkins has represented Region 1 of Métis Nation B.C. (MNBC) for almost 20 years. His commitment and selfless dedication to developing MNBC’s judiciary arm has included developing a Senate Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics. He has also co-authored a comprehensive set of policies and procedural guidelines. Alan has been instrumental in lobbying provincial and federal judges for funding to support the MNBC Senate. He is also the Chairperson for the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, and Regional Council Governance Committee.
Phillip Gladue – Senator Phillip Gladue has represented Region 2 of Métis Nation B.C. for over 30 years. Phillip is a fluent speaker of Métis Cree. His cultural knowledge is a lived experience grounded in teachings and protocols from being raised in a Métis Cree community. In addition to his advocacy for Métis people, Phillip provides mentoring, counselling, and Indigenous cultural awareness training throughout the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley. He is the current elder in residence at the Justice Institute of B.C. Phillip is passionate about passing on his cultural knowledge and lived experience to the next generations of Métis leaders.
Elizabeth (Betty) Hoogendoorn – Senator Elizabeth (Betty) Hoogendoorn represented Region 4 of Métis Nation B.C. for fourteen years before her retirement in 2024. Before becoming a Senator, Betty was President and Vice-President of the Métis Nation Columbia River Society. Betty’s commitment to the Métis and to the community has led her in many directions, including attending community, regional, and provincial events, delivering prayers, history lessons, and sage advice as a Métis Elder. She has been a hospice volunteer since 1982 and delivers Métis education to school district staff and students in Golden.
Arnold Lucier – Senator Arnold Lucier has represented Region 5 of Métis Nation B.C. for seven years. As Senator, Arnold has participated in numerous Senate appeal hearings, reviewed and made legislative recommendations, and attended community, regional, and provincial meetings. Arnold is an active member of his community, attending events and playing music. Arnold has spent 40 years researching his Métis heritage, travelling across Canada and the United States. He has acquired a wealth of genealogical information, pictures, materials, and stories that trace his family history to 1694.
Gerald Pope – A proud and dedicated Métis citizen, Senator Gerald Pope has represented Region 7 of Métis Nation B.C. since 2009. As Senator, Gerald has been a key contributor to developing and refining the Senate’s policies, procedures, and legislative recommendations. He also mentors new senators and has consistently stepped up as a key Committee member during Senate hearings.
John Sayers – Senator John Sayers has six years of experience as a Senator with Métis Nation B.C. As a Senator, John is recognized as fair and thoughtful, putting the best interests of the Métis foremost in everything he does. John is also the founder of the Quesnel and Salmon Arm Métis Chartered Communities. Ha has also received special recognition as the first recipient of an honorary diploma in education by School District 83 and an Indigenous education bursary created in his name. John is a widely respected Elder and Knowledge Keeper and continues to teach Métis art and culture enthusiastically.
Tom Adams, CD – Tom Adams has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. (MVBC) since 2016 and has been a volunteer committee member since 2017. Tom diligently works to support Veterans in obtaining assistance from Veterans Affairs Canada. As the MVBC Service Officer, Tom also worked alongside Veterans Affairs Canada to develop a Service Officer training program for all MVBC Committee members. This training has prepared other Committee members to better assist Métis Veterans. Tom works closely with his local Legion and assists with requests to help homeless Veterans.
David Armitt – David Armitt has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. since 2008 and has held the role of Committee Chair since 2013. David served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 23 years as an Infantryman and a Combat Engineer before attaining the rank of Master Warrant Officer before retiring in 1997. David was a member of 3rd Canadian Army Veterans, a Veteran-oriented motorcycle riding club when the organization petitioned the federal government to name a section of Highway 1 in B.C. to the “Highway of Heroes”. David was also influential in establishing the National Métis Veterans Council.
Eleanor Creighton, CD – Eleanor Creighton has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. since 2010 and a volunteer Committee member since 2014. She served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 28 years as a Supply Technician. Eleanor took on the role of Regional Veterans Representative with Métis Nation B.C. wholeheartedly, visiting and keeping in touch with all the communities in Region 1 on Veteran-related matters, bringing forward innovative ideas to support Métis Veterans, not only in her Region but throughout B.C. Eleanor shows great concern for homeless veterans and strives to assist and connect them with supports wherever possible.
Barb Hulme, CD – Elder Barb Hulme is a founding member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. at its inception in 2008 and has been a volunteer Committee member ever since. Barb served almost 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a nurse. She is a highly active and well-respected member of her community and the broader Métis Nation B.C. community. She is also an excellent guide and mentor to Indigenous youth. Barb can be counted on as the voice of reason and continues to champion Indigenous Women Veterans issues provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Richard Johnstone – Richard Johnstone has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. since 2021 and a volunteer Committee member since 2023. After his tenure in the Royal Canadian Airforce as an Aircraft Technician, he ventured out to employ these skills and share his passion for education with Métis youth. Alongside his work with the Veterans Committee, Richard works closely with Métis Nation B.C.’s Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary to further education possibilities for Métis while involving Veterans.
Kevin Murray – Kevin Murray has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. and a volunteer Committee member since 2022. Kevin served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for almost 30 years, attaining the rank of Superintendent. As the Region 4 Veterans Representative, Kevin has been instrumental in seeing Métis Veterans programs through to completion. Kevin assisted in developing the Métis Veterans Portal, a database that captures the service and careers of Métis Veterans in B.C. Kevin also took on the task of creating a sash for all Métis Veterans.
Joe Smith – Elder Joe Smith, a veteran who served 30 years in the military as a cook, has brought honour to the Métis community. His service took him to Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, and Germany, and he was recognized with the Medal of Military Merit in 1983 for his exceptional service. Joe's commitment to his community is unwavering: he is a former treasurer of the Chilliwack Métis Association, teaches Métis culture at schools and festivals, and volunteers whenever asked to represent Métis. His mentorship, particularly in passing down his plant knowledge and Métis history, is invaluable.
Anna Marlene Beattie – Anna (Marlene) Beattie is dedicated to her community and the land. She spent over a decade promoting sustainable land use and harvesting throughout B.C. as a Captain of the Hunt with the British Columbia Métis Assembly of Natural Resources. Marlene dedicates her time to capturing the voices of Métis harvesters, ensuring the land and its resources are healthy and will thrive for generations. Marlene grew up hunting and harvesting with her father, who taught her the ways of the land. Marlene continues this tradition by bringing youth onto the land and introducing them to the Métis way of life.
Mark Carlson – Mark Carlson is a founding member of the British Columbia Métis Assembly of Natural Resources (BCMANR) as a Captain of the Hunt. He also sits on the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Rights Panel and Justice Committee and works alongside MNBC’s senators. As an active community member in Trail, he promotes MNBC and BCMANR at events and gatherings throughout his region. Mark has diligently advocated for Métis rights, promoted sustainable land use, and conservation of species and ecosystems throughout B.C. He is passionate about bringing youth out on the land and introducing them to the Métis way of life.
Dr. Kate Elliott – Dr. Kate Elliott is an early career family physician passionate about strengthening equitable access to healthcare for Indigenous Peoples. She is a proud Métis Nation of Greater Victoria Association member and Chair of the Métis Women of B.C. She works closely alongside the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and provides mobile outreach to the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness housing site and Pacheedaht First Nation.
Betty Ann McDonnell – Betty Ann McDonnell, an Indigenous child advocate and foster parent for over 30 years, has had a profound impact on the lives of many Indigenous children. As the current president of the Nicola Valley Métis Association, she is a strong advocate for Métis rights and serves on the Indigenous Elders Council. Betty Ann’s long-standing volunteer work with Nicola Valley Animal Rescue and her recognition as the Women of the Year and Volunteer of the Year by the City of Merritt further highlight her significant contributions to the Métis community.
Bryce Mercredi – Bryce Mercredi, a dedicated voice of the Métis for over 25 years, has left an indelible mark on the community. As a founding member of the North Island Métis Association, where he served as Director and Vice President, Bryce's commitment is unwavering. His 20-year tenure at the Comox Valley Aboriginal Education Council and his role as a cultural presenter for Comox Valley Schools, sharing his knowledge of Métis history and culture, further demonstrate his dedication. Bryce's significant contributions to the Métis community were recognized with the prestigious Order of the Sash, a distinguished award presented by Métis Nation British Columbia.
Dr. Ry Moran – Dr. Ry Moran was a founding member of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at the University of Manitoba. Ry led the creation of a permanent home in the NCTR of a national archive for all materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He helped collect nearly 7,000 video and audio-recorded statements of former residential school survivors and others affected by the residential school system. Ry is currently leading the efforts of the University of Victoria Library to decolonize approaches to the University’s archives and integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into their work.
Valerie Paice – Valerie Paice is a strong advocate for Métis rights and culture, working as an Indigenous Student Support Worker in schools in Region 7 for 30 years. Valerie is a role model for taking pride and confidence in one’s heritage, travelling around Western Canada to promote Métis culture and offering workshops on Métis traditions to keep the culture alive. Valerie is a founding member of the River of the Peace Métis Society and has served as its president for 22 years. She is deeply committed to the health and well-being of her community, providing food to those in need.
Joy Sundin – Joy Sundin is the president of the Prince Rupert & District Métis Society, serving for almost ten years. She has been instrumental in serving the interests of her community, including the Métis community on Haida Gwaii. In 2019, Joy stepped down from the Prince Rupert Special Events Society after nearly 30 years as a festival organizer, delivering wildly popular events like Seafest and Winterfest. Joy is also an on-call community coroner in Prince Rupert and has served as president of the Prince Rupert Amateur Swim Club and Canadian Parents for French.
Eldon Clairmont* – A Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Eldon Clairmont has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. since 2009 and a volunteer Committee member since 2010. Eldon is an active member of his community, bringing his knowledge of Métis culture and spirituality to schools in his community and the Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Youth Programs. Eldon is a valued member of the Métis Veterans of B.C., having represented the committee provincially and internationally.
Earl Henderson* – Elder and Knowledge Keeper Earl Henderson has been a member of the Métis Veterans of B.C. since 2015 and a volunteer Committee member since 2016. Earl is essential in assisting veterans in his region in achieving positive outcomes in partnership with the local Legion. He shares his diverse knowledge of Métis culture and spirituality with other veterans and provides these teachings to students and at-risk youth. He participated in the planning and presenting of the WWII Métis Veteran Legacy Program compensation to a surviving WWII Spouse. Earl can always be counted on to assist when needed in the community.
*Although Earl Henderson and Eldon Clairmont could not attend the ceremony, their contributions were acknowledged, and they will receive their medals at a later date.