By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Fourteen South Okanagan residents including locals Marieze Tarr and Brenda Baptiste are among the 100 Canadians honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals for their contributions to society.
This prestigious honour is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, demonstrating outstanding service and dedication.
Richard Cannings, MP awarded the medals during a ceremony on Thursday, March 20 at the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre. Friends and family of the recipients gathered to celebrate the achievements of the honorees and their impact in the South Okanagan and beyond.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal, introduced in 2023 to mark the coronation of His Majesty, is awarded to Canadians who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities, whether through volunteer work, public service, or exceptional contributions in various fields.
Brenda Baptiste
Baptiste is a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band, and has spent over two decades championing Indigenous tourism as a powerful force for socio-economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
As Chair of the Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia, Baptiste has worked tirelessly to create opportunities that foster sustainable tourism while honouring Indigenous heritage.
She also played a pivotal role in shaping policies to support tourism recovery as a member of the B.C. Taskforce for Tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Babtiste is also a board member of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia, where she continues to advocate for business, social, and cultural development that benefits all people in the province.
Her commitment to uplifting communities is further demonstrated through her work with the South Okanagan Women In Need Society, where she serves as a board member and Chair of the Governance Committee. Through this role, she strives to integrate essential services and economic support, particularly for Indigenous women in the South Okanagan.
In 2021 Baptiste was honoured with the Order of BC for her work on Indigenous tourism.
In presenting her with the award Cannings described her as “a visionary, a trailblazer, and an unwavering advocate for Indigenous communities”.
Marieze Tarr
Hailing from the Cape Province of South Africa, Marieze pursued her academic passion at the University of Stellenbosch, earning a Master’s Degree in Medical Biochemistry. Her early career was dedicated to cancer research, specifically focusing on Adriamycin, deepening her lifelong commitment to health and wellness.
In 1991, Marieze and her husband embarked on a new journey, relocating to rural Saskatchewan, where he practiced rural family and emergency medicine while they raised their three children. In 2000, they moved once again, settling in Osoyoos.
Dedicated to community service, she became a school trustee and later the chair of the board of education for School District 53, advocating for quality education and student well-being.
Her passion for mental health and community support led her to apply for the role of Executive Director at Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre in 2018. Under her leadership, the organization experienced remarkable growth, with its budget increasing fivefold.
More importantly, Marieze and her dedicated team identified critical community needs and developed innovative solutions to address them introducing a variety of transformative programs.
One of the most extraordinary accomplishments under Marieze’s leadership has been the expansion of the Safe Home Program, which, through dedicated outreach and addiction recovery services, has achieved an astounding 99 per cent recovery rate for its clients.
This initiative has empowered families to break free from intimate partner violence and build stable, healthy futures.
A lifelong learner and innovator, Marieze is constantly seeking ways to evolve and strengthen the support systems available to her community. Her unwavering commitment to fostering resilience, compassion, and meaningful change has touched countless lives.
Cannings described her as “a visionary leader, a passionate advocate, and a compassionate force for good . . . creating a community where people can thrive, heal, and find hope.”
The 14 recipients of the medals in the South Okanagan region include:
Jerome Abraham (posthumous) – a dedicated individual that helped many members of the community take back their lives from addiction through his tireless work at Discovery House in Penticton.
Richard Armstrong – a member of the Penticton Indian Band and the Syilx Nation of the Okanagan Valley, who has spent decades as a knowledge keeper, guiding others toward a deeper understanding of Syilx traditions and ecological wisdom.
Brenda Baptiste – see above.
Paul Crawford – a scholar, curator, and visionary leader, his dedication to the arts has left an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of the province.
Michele Cumberland – a driving force for citizenship and democracy education, leading whole-school Student Votes for every election and organizing all-candidates forums.
Derek Evans – a lifelong champion of human rights, peace, and ethical leadership his legacy is one of courage, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.
Cherry Fernandez – a champion for inclusion, equity, and community empowerment she is a leader, advocate, and visionary whose work continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.
Pat Field – a dedicated conservationist, community builder, and advocate for the natural and cultural heritage of British Columbia, he has dedicated a lifetime to protecting nature, fostering culture, and strengthening communities.
Craig Henderson – a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for the history, culture, and well-being of Naramata.
Doug Kenyon & Larry Kenyon – brothers who carry on the long and storied history of construction by the Kenyon family, which currently builds under the name Greyback Construction Ltd., known for their industry standard for excellence in workmanship and affordability.
Shane Koyczan – a pioneer in contemporary spoken word and a force for change as poet, advocate and voice for those who feel unheard.
Jane Shaak (posthumous) – a champion of the arts and community from Williams Lake and Prince George to Naramata and Penticton.
Marieze Tarr – see above.
“We are honoured to recognize these outstanding individuals who have worked tirelessly to make a difference in our region,” said Cannings. “Their dedication and service reflect the values that this medal represents.”
