Garden River First Nation Chief Karen Bell has been awarded the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for both her policing career and dedication to First Nations sovereignty.
Bell had the medal presented to her by local Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan during a small, private ceremony held at the community’s band office March 31.
Eligible candidates of the Coronation Medal must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada, according to the Government of Canada website.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Bell in a news release from Garden River First Nation.
“Being a police officer was a way for me to give back to my community, to inspire young women, and to demonstrate that no career is beyond your reach, no matter the obstacles.
"It’s been a privilege to serve and work alongside the people of Garden River."
The medal marks the second royal recognition for Bell, who was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh award for being a “model student with significant volunteer hours and gifted athletic ability” when she was 19 years old, according to the release.
Bell was elected as a member of council for Garden River First Nation in 2017, and would eventually be chosen as the community's first-ever female chief in 2023.
Prior to that, Bell worked in policing for more than three decades, eventually ascending to the rank of sergeant at Anishinabek Police Service and leading its detachment in Garden River.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty on May 6, 2023.