A First Nations Elder, Chief and Senator were presented with medals at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ceremony in Regina.
Elder Betty McKenna is a community leader in Moose Jaw, while Senator Lillian Dyck calls Saskatoon Home.
They, along with Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and several others, were presented with honours by Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhardt.
Senator Dyck, who is a member of the George Gordon First Nation, says it is nice to receive the honour, but it’s also important to examine the relationship between First Nations and the crown:
“You know when we signed treaties with the crown it was Queen Victoria. And I think our idea of a mother was someone who would look after us and make sure everything was OK. So I think we need to pursue that idea that maybe our mother has really not fulfilled all her obligations.”
Treaty Negotiator Thomas Molloy and the RCMP’s Russ Mirasty also received medals.