Gloria Morgan of the Splatsin First Nation was named of the recipients of the 2024 B.C. Reconciliation Award (photo courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of B.C.)

By Liam Verster

2024 B.C. Reconciliation Awards

Former Splatsin chief among recipients of Reconciliation Award

Nov 5, 2024 | 11:31 AM

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of B.C. has honoured several people for their reconciliation efforts, including a woman from the Splatsin First Nation in Enderby.

Gloria Morgan was named one of four recipients of the 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Award.

Morgan, a survivor of St. Eugene’s Indian Residential School and the 60s scoop, spent 11 years serving as an RCMP officer, then transitioned into law in 1994, which she practiced until 2001 when she was elected Chief of the Splatsin First Nation. She served two terms in that role.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor stated Morgan’s “dedication to justice extended to her role as a Federal Adjudicator for the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, supporting survivors across the country.”

The office added Morgan served on the Tsm7aksaltn Teaching Center and Okanagan College where she championed Indigenous curriculum and advocated for education and cultural preservation though teaching Secwepemc Youth Language and Cultural Arts classes. She currently also serves as a Provincial Health Services Authority board member.

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The other three individuals recognized with the 2024 British Columbia Reconciliation Awards, awarded in partnership with the B.C. Achievement Foundation, were: retired corporal Chris Gosselin (West Kelowna), Phyllis Webstad (Williams Lake), and Sdahl Ḵ’awaas, Lucy Bell (Old Massett).

“The stories of this year’s BC Reconciliation Award recipients give me hope,” Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, said.

“These are stories that awaken hearts to the truths of some of the most difficult history of our country, but also stories of resilience, generosity, healing and bravery. Every year, I am deeply inspired by the work of these recipients, the depth of their communities, and their commitment to authentic, respectful relationship building. I am honoured to share the work of the recipients and express my gratitude for all they have contributed to reconciliation in British Columbia.”

Two organizations were also recognized with awards: Qwelmínte Secwépemc (Kamloops), and Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services – Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni).

“The essence of reconciliation as a vital process for fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is illuminated through the work of the BC Reconciliation Award program,” Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, a BC Achievement Foundation board member, said.

“The importance of recognizing historical injustices, while also celebrating transformative actions that empower Indigenous Peoples, underpins the program’s intent as we mark its fourth year celebrating outstanding reconciliation practices. The recognition of the 2024 recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award honours their contributions and also serves as an inspiration for others to engage in meaningful reconciliation efforts. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective journey we are undertaking in British Columbia toward healing and accountability.”

The recipients of the 2024 B.C. Reconciliation Awards will be recognized at a ceremony held at Government House in the new year.