Chief of Tl'etinqox (Anaham) Joe Alphonse is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in emergency management with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
“He has been able to show leadership over the years by recognizing that the right decision isn’t always the easy one,” said Otis Guichon, Chief of Tŝideldel First Nation and vice-chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG). He said Chief Alphonse, who is tribal chair of the TNG, has been an amazing leader for his community in the face of growing threats caused by climate change and has done so in a way that recognizes Indigenous jurisdiction.
“Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Alphonse has been there, front and centre, as a leader and guide to this learning process.”
Chief Alphonse was nominated for the medal by Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, in recognition of his efforts to protect his community from wildfire and to emphasize reconciliation in the field of emergency management.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal program was first announced in 2023, shortly before the coronation of the king. In 2024, 30,000 medals were awarded to recipients for having significantly contributed to Canada.
