Four outstanding citizens who have made remarkable contributions to their communities were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal at a special ceremony in Langford on Wednesday (Sept. 4).

The four recipients, nominated by Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, are former TB次元官网网址橲ou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes, TB次元官网网址橲ou-ke Elder Shirley Alphonse, former Mayor of Langford Stewart Young and retired provincial MLA and past cabinet minister Moe Sihota.

B次元官网网址淭heir work has touched countless lives and their legacies will continue to inspire and impact our community for generations to come,B次元官网网址� Parmar said in a news release.

At the ceremony, hosted at the Langford Legion, Parmar opened up more about how the four individuals have inspired him.

B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 need to know everything (as an MLA), because IB次元官网网址檓 surrounded by incredible giants in our constituency,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲hen I want to learn about hope, stewardship, culture and celebrate the incredible lands that weB次元官网网址檙e on, I give Gordy or Shirley a call. When I want to know how to take a punch, get back up and give one right back, I give Moe Sihota a call. And when I want to get [stuff] done, I give Stew Young a call.B次元官网网址�

TB次元官网网址橲ou-ke Chief from 2008 to 2024, Planes championed sustainability and economic development for the Nation, completing one of the largest solar energy projects in B.C. during his time, creating a lasting legacy of sustainable practices for the Nation and beyond.

B次元官网网址淭his is a great honour, I donB次元官网网址檛 want to take this off,B次元官网网址� Planes joked. He also reflected on how well the community works together to support each other. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 like weB次元官网网址檙e all in a canoe and weB次元官网网址檙e all paddling together in the same direction - and that direction is taking care of our children and the seven generations.B次元官网网址�

Alphonse, a respected elder and spiritual leader in her community, supports people from birth to end-of-life. She also teaches SEN膯O纽EN language at local schools, and, as a residential school survivor, is dedicated to healing and cultural exchange through being a part of initiatives from local to global scales.

B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 an angel in our community,B次元官网网址� said Planes. B次元官网网址淪he grounds me, she helps me, without her I could not have done what IB次元官网网址檝e did in the last 16 years as Chief.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淪he gives, and gives and gives, never asking for anything back,B次元官网网址� said SciaB次元官网网址檔ew First Nations Chief Russ Chipps, who spoke at the ceremony. B次元官网网址淭oday is her day.B次元官网网址�

Former mayor Young is credited for playing a key role in transforming Langford into a fast-growing, award-winning municipality. During his tenure, he helped improve infrastructure, expand services, and support growth that has made a lasting change to the community landscape.

B次元官网网址淚t was great to grow up in this community and give back B次元官网网址� I was trying to make Langford a better place,B次元官网网址� said Young. B次元官网网址淚 could not have done it without the support of the community.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 proud and honoured to have served Langford,B次元官网网址� he added.

Sihota, retired MLA and former cabinet minister, was the first ever Indo-Canadian elected to a Canadian Parliament.

B次元官网网址淗e broke glass ceilings,B次元官网网址� said Parmar, who added that he wouldn't be where he is today without the work Sihota had done before him. During his political career, Sihota championed policies to advance social justice and equity in B.C., helping expand opportunities for others.

In accepting his medal, Sihota thanked everyone that had "put an X to his name," allowing him to live his dream.