CANORA - Gwen Machnee of Canora has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.
"It is a great honour, and I am still very surprised to have been nominated," said Machnee. "Some amazing people have been nominated for this award and I am delighted to have been included."
The awards ceremony took place at the Legislative Building in Regina on Oct. 14, where Machnee received her medal along with 61 other recipients from across Saskatchewan.
According to information from the program for the ceremony:
"In Canada, since the 1935 Silver Jubilee of King George V, commemorative medals have been awarded to recognize all manners of service to Crown and Country- be it at the local, provincial, national or international levels.
"As part of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty ascending the throne as Queen of Canada, this long tradition of creating commemorative medals has continued. In the absence of a Federal Platinum Jubilee Medal program, six provinces have established Jubilee Medals of their own- each with the same ribbon, overall design and criteria. The design of the medal was approved by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle on May 17.
"The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Saskatchewan to honour Her Majesty for her service to Canada, while also recognizing the significant contributions and achievements by Saskatchewan citizens."
Machnee was invited to the ceremony by Laura Ross, Minister for Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Minister for the Status of Women.
"I received an invitation to the ceremony in the mail on Sept. 30," shared Machnee. "I was completely surprised, I had no idea how it happened or who nominated me for the award and I kept thinking that there were so many much more deserving people than me.
"I found out later from a fellow board member of Creative Saskatchewan that the entire board had been nominated. I have been on the board for Creative Saskatchewan for two years and the board of SaskCulture for six years before that."
In the program it was stated that Machnee was honoured "For contributions in the Arts/Business Sector."
The ceremony began with the singing of O Canada followed by a short introduction from the emcee and a brief address by Minister Ross. The presentations were made in alphabetical order. Each recipient's name was called as they walked onto the stage, shook hands with the Minister, received their medal, had their picture taken and returned to their seat. The ceremony ended with the singing of God Save the King.
Machnee said the program was followed by a reception.
"Cucumber and ham and cheese sandwiches were served, with cookies and the official dessert of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Jubilee pudding, a trifle made with orange. There was tea, coffee and punch to drink, all served on Royal Albert china."
There are 7,000 Saskatchewan Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medals being awarded this year.
