The Order of British Columbia (B.C), which was established in 1989, is the highest form of recognition that the province can extend to its citizens.
Elder Gwen Harry (Chésha7 / Wigistame), 94 years, is one of 15 people who will be receiving the Order of B.C. at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria, held on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The 2025 recipients are being officially recognized for their “extraordinary contributions to the province and beyond,” a news release reads.
Harry will receive the award for her “lifetime of transformative leadership in education, healing and economic development, all while inspiring collaborative reconciliation in B.C,” the website continues.
Harry is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) member and District of Squamish resident.
A residential school survivor, Harry has devoted more than 70 years to education, advocacy and cultural preservation.
Her achievements and work include the founding of Totem Preschool in the 1960s—one of Canada’s first Indigenous early learning centres. She also served as a Nation councillor, and has secured key agreements such as the Sea to Sky Highway and Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements.
Furthermore, in aiding the founding of Quest University, Harry received its first honorary doctorate, inspiring the Gwen Harry Award for Indigenous Students.
“Gwen Harry’s work has been foundational to Squamish Nation’s cultural resurgence, and her leadership in oral storytelling, ceremonial practices, and land-based teachings has deepened ties between generations. This honour reflects her unwavering commitment to healing, education, and the revitalization of Squamish ways of knowing,” said Nation spokesperson and councillor Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams.
This isn't by far the first time Harry has been honoured for her contributions.
She also received:
• Queen’s Jubilee Meda—nominated by former Squamish mayor Corinne Lonsdale
• Freedom of the Municipality—awarded by former Squamish mayor Patricia Heinzmann
• Remarkable Woman Award—from the City of Vancouver; this recognition was posted in post offices across the Lower Mainland
• Squamish Nation Leadership Award—from Squamish Nation Chief and Council
• Youth Encounter Blanket Exercise Award—from the Multicultural Society
“[I] had no degree, but I have the passion, volunteer and desire to empower our children in our community,” she said, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
"My kids have their passion, [for] example, some went into business, culture, policing, art, coach, chairman of council, art business, spiritual—all went [their] own way," she added.
"I didn't teach my kids, but I did in a way—but my kids chose their own desire. And now it's nephews and nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are learning about our language and culture. "
Harry was clear that she also learned from those who came before her.
“[I] had mentors, and respected our elders of the day as they taught us their knowledge.”
Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, called it a “profound privilege” to recognize this year’s recipients.
“Their dedication, compassion and vision have left a lasting mark on communities across our province. By lifting others and leading with purpose, they are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive British Columbia for generations to come,” she said.
In addition, Premier David Eby shared his sentiments and congratulations.
“Every one of you has made life better for your fellow British Columbians … Your contributions inspire all of us to do great things and give back to our communities,” he said.
Find more information about the Order of B.C., and how to go about nominating someone, on the government website.
~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief
Disclosure: While it is The Squamish Chief’s policy that sources do not see a story before it is published, we have made a rare exception in this case.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter.
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
