Heartfelt congratulations to GRSJ grad student, Elder Margaretta James (Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation) who has been awarded a prestigious King Charles Coronation Medal in recognition of her work with the Mowachaht/Muchalaht nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth people, especially through the yearly Yuquot Summerfest, which she leads.
Elder Margaretta James is currently pursuing her Masters with GRSJ and is a Visiting Scholar in Residence at St. John’s College, UBC. Her Masters thesis tackles Asian-Indigenous relations from her embodied perspective as a mixed race Indigenous and Filipina elder and from her situated lens as an Elder in her Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation community. Her thesis involves a research-creation project – a museum exhibition – tentatively titled “Coming Home”.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal, marking King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to Canada. The medal highlights themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear, including service, the environment and sustainability, and our nation’s diversity.
The award was presented to Elder Margaretta by Rachel Blaney (MP, North Island-Powell River) in a private ceremony on March 3, 2025.
What an honour to acknowledge such a powerful cultural leader of the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation. Her commitment to the Yuquot Summer Fest is inspiring. So much love. – Rachel Blaney, MP, North Island-Powell River
Elder Margaretta James (right) wearing her King Charles III Coronation Medal. Presented by Rachel Blaney (left) MP, North Island – Powell River.
This text was read aloud during the ceremony (shared with permission):
Every summer, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation hosts the Annual Yuquot Spirit Summerfest, a one-day commemoration event that celebrates the history and spirituality of Yuquot.
During year 30 of this event, as President of the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society, Elder Margaretta James appeared in the documentary film about Yuquot. Changing Perspectives: What has been the impact of colonization on the people of Yuquot?
Remarkably, with the exception of 2 summers, Elder Margaretta has over 30 years of organizing this SummerFest at Yuquot. She has stated that the revitalization of Yuquot goes hand-in-hand with her passion for uncovering its histories of Asian-Indigenous encounters; that her life goals are to complete a degree and tell stories of Indigenous-Asian encounters on the West coast of the continent.
These stories are particularly significant to her because she feels that “Yuquot is not just a place, it’s a feeling” and that living among the Mowachaht/Muchalaht community has provided her with the opportunity to witness and observe the respect for life with dignity and peace.
Yuquot has greatly benefitted from Margaretta’s service to her community, her passion, and dedication to spreading awareness of Yuquot’s cultural makeup.
Congratulations to Margaretta on this well deserved recognition of her life’s work, leadership and longstanding service to her Mowachaht/Muchalaht kin and community! Margaretta pours her heart and soul into everything she does, including her GRSJ Masters degree! I count myself lucky to bear witness to her brilliance and commitment. – JP Catungal (Grad supervisor).
