A Burnaby-based non-profit organization and a professor at Simon Fraser University (SFU) have been bestowed one of the province's highest community and volunteerism honours.
The 2023 B.C. Reconciliation Awards recently recognized Last Post Fund and Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn for their work to continue reconciliation efforts, which includes inspiring others to continue the journey.
Both Burnaby recipients were selected by a committee for the awards, which is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the BC Achievement Foundation.
Last Post Fund
Committed to upholding every Veteran's dignity, The Last Post Fund ensures respectful funerals, burials, and military gravestones regardless of financial constraints. Its Indigenous Veteran Initiative founded in 2019 focuses on the Unmarked Grave Program and Traditional Name Marking Project, providing grave markers and adding traditional names to tombstones, honouring identity, and heritage. Collaborating with Indigenous Elders and former Canadian Armed Forces members, cultural protocols for proper commemoration are respected. The initiative symbolizes gratitude for Indigenous Veterans, expressing their service, sacrifice, and commitment through proper militarymarked tombstones. The BC Branch of the Last Post Fund emphasizes respect and remembrance across all communities.
Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn
A trailblazer in Indigenous engagement throughout his career, Otahkotskina, Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn, has empowered successive generations of Indigenous scholars. Joining SFU in 2002, he helped establish the Department of Indigenous Studies, serving as its inaugural Chair. Raised on the Peigan Indian Reserve, Dr. Yellowhorn's passion for earth sciences led him to become the first Indigenous student to earn an MA in Archaeology at SFU, followed by a Ph.D. at McGill University. As a dedicated Blackfoot language speaker, he preserves the language by voicing animated mathematics videos. Dr. Yellowhorn's pivotal role in the Missing Children and Brandon IRS Cemeteries projects highlights his commitment to restoring dignity to Indigenous children. His collaboration with SFU's leadership has shaped the university's reconciliation efforts, reflecting his remarkable ability to bridge worlds and inspire inclusivity.
Both Dr. Yellowhorn and representatives of Last Post Fund were honoured at a ceremony in Victoria on Jan. 18
The event reflected the culture and practices of B.C.'s Indigenous Peoples, a news release explained. Featured speakers included Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, T'esóts'en Patrick Kelly, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Dr. Danièle Behn Smith.
Meanwhile, the nomination period for the 2024 BC Reconciliation Awards, which is open to all B.C. residents, is open until Jan. 31.
For more information, you can visit the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia's website.
