News Release: Community Contributors Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals

March 7, 2025
Community Contributors Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals
Enderby, BC- Today, local Member of Parliament Mel Arnold, awarded the King Charles III
Coronation Medal to 20 recipients from across the federal constituency of North
Okanagan-Shuswap. The medals commemorating the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III
recognize significant national, provincial, regional, or local contributions and exceptional
achievements abroad that brought credit to Canada.
“It is rare that medals are awarded to Canadians on behalf of the Sovereign, and this
certainly adds to the importance and distinction of today’s event for recipients, their
families and communities,” MP Arnold said after the ceremony. In total, 30,000 medals are
being awarded across Canada following a nomination process led by the Governor General
that involved a broad array of nomination partners including Members of Parliament.
Last August, MP Arnold issued a call for nominations to the public and local government
officials and the nomination period concluded in October 2024; nominations received
were reviewed and finalized by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
Recipients from the North Okanagan- Shuswap were recognized for outstanding and often
life-long contributions directly benefitting their fellow citizens and communities.
Ceremony attendees heard how recipients have tirelessly supported mental health,
education, community safety, food security, and supports for those facing crisis including
wildfires. Some recipients made invaluable contributions for veterans and their families,
seniors and youth while others advanced local history, arts and culture.
“As Member of Parliament, it is an honour to present these medals to such deserving
individuals; their contributions to our communities and country are recognized and
appreciated more than words can describe,” concluded MP Arnold. “The people of the
North Okanagan – Shuswap can be proud of these citizens from all corners of the riding
recognized for their service and contributions benefiting our communities and Canada.”

Recipients of King Charles III Coronation Medal Awarded by MP Mel Arnold March 7, 2025
(Alphabetically)
Mr. John Angus, Chase, BC
Ms. Donna Eleanor Antonishak, Vernon, BC
Councillor Gordon Bushell, Sicamous, BC
Mr. Wayne Morgan Christian, Splatsin Territory, BC
Mr. Mervin Churchill, Falkland, BC (awarded posthumously)
Ms. Darla Dawn Dingeldein, Anglemont, BC
Ms. Carolynn Dufresne, Vernon, BC
Mr. Bill Dummett, Edgewood, BC
Captain Donald Ennis, Salmon Arm, BC
Mr. Leonard Gamble, Armstrong, BC
Corporal Matthew Heneghan, Retired, Falkland, BC
Ms. Sue Kershaw, Salmon Arm, BC
Ms. Bobbe Mackenzie, Vernon, BC
Director Rhona Martin, Malakwa, BC
Ms. Denise Lee Meier, Anglemont, BC
Ms. Katie Lorna Moore, Coldstream, BC
Mr. Phil McIntyre-Paul, Salmon Arm, BC
Ms. Sandi Reutlinger, Blind Bay, BC
Mr. Robert Sutherland, Sicamous, BC
Mr. Peter Unger, Vernon, B