Chief Marie Quock of the Iskut Band and Nalaine Morin, both members of the Tahltan Nation, have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their leadership and contributions to Indigenous governance, environmental stewardship, and Canada’s reconciliation efforts.
“It is an honour to receive this award alongside so many deserving individuals across Canada,” said Chief Quock.
The medals were presented at Government House in Victoria on March 5, where the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, acting on behalf of the Governor General, recognized recipients from British Columbia.
Chief Quock’s leadership spans nearly five decades, beginning in 1978 when she served as a Band Social Worker. She later took on financial management roles before becoming Band Manager and, in 2005, was elected Chief. Now in her fifth term, she continues to lead initiatives that were central to her receiving the Coronation Medal, including strengthening the Iskut Band’s financial transparency, electoral processes, environmental standards, and economic and educational opportunities. Her leadership has also supported the community’s efforts to reclaim its Indigenous identity through language and cultural revitalization.
“This recognition is not just for me but for the Iskut Band as a whole, acknowledging our contributions to the Tahltan Nation’s efforts toward sustainable development and Canada’s reconciliation process. I am committed to leading the Iskut Band through future challenges and the exciting opportunities ahead,” she said.
Morin was recognized for her extensive experience in environmental and mining assessment. She is vice-president of environment and regulatory affairs with Skeena Gold and Silver and the former lands director for the Tahltan Central Government. During the ceremony, she was described as a nationally recognized professional who has managed the environmental reviews of several large resource development projects on behalf of Indigenous Nations.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was introduced by Governor General Mary Simon to honour individuals who have made meaningful contributions to Canada and their home provinces. A total of 30,000 medals have been awarded nationwide, marking the first Canadian honour of its kind to commemorate a coronation.
