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 T’Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes, T’Sou-ke Elder Shirley Alphonse, former Mayor of Langford Stewart Young and retired provincial MLA and past cabinet minister Moe Sihota.
“Their work has touched countless lives and their legacies will continue to inspire and impact our community for generations to come,” 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.
“I don’t need to know everything (as an MLA), because I’m surrounded by incredible giants in our constituency,” he said. “When I want to learn about hope, stewardship, culture and celebrate the incredible lands that we’re 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.”
T’Sou-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.
“This is a great honour, I don’t want to take this off,” Planes joked. He also reflected on how well the community works together to support each other. “It’s like we’re all in a canoe and we’re all paddling together in the same direction - and that direction is taking care of our children and the seven generations.”
Alphonse, a respected elder and spiritual leader in her community, supports people from birth to end-of-life. She also teaches SENĆOŦEN 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.
“She’s an angel in our community,” said Planes. “She grounds me, she helps me, without her I could not have done what I’ve did in the last 16 years as Chief.”
“She gives, and gives and gives, never asking for anything back,” said Scia’new First Nations Chief Russ Chipps, who spoke at the ceremony. “Today is her day.”
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.
“It was great to grow up in this community and give back … I was trying to make Langford a better place,” said Young. “I could not have done it without the support of the community.”
“I’m proud and honoured to have served Langford,” he added.
Sihota, retired MLA and former cabinet minister, was the first ever Indo-Canadian elected to a Canadian Parliament.
“He broke glass ceilings,” 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.
