One of NLC’s own has been recognized for her contributions to education.
Denise Stager, the Indigenous Cultural Assistant for Northern Lights College, received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medallion for education on August 17, 2022.
“I was quite overwhelmed—and honoured—but it was more [overwhelmed] for being recognized for doing my job, which I was not understanding. It’s what I’ve always done,” she says.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal marked the 70th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It was awarded to individuals across the country for their service in a variety of categories, including military, emergency first response, education, health care, sport, business, and disability inclusion.
Denise was nominated for the award by her mother-in-law, who wrote a brief letter outlining how she supports students and creates a welcoming environment in the Fort St. John Indigenous Gathering Space.
She had no idea that she was even being considered for the award–she thought it was a joke at first.
“[My mother-in-law] didn’t tell me she’d done it and I missed two emails about it,” she says. “I didn’t realize until I got a call from the lady in Ottawa asking if I was attending the event that it was actually a thing.”
The event, hosted by Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer at the Festival Plaza in Fort St. John, honoured 18 residents—including Denise—with the medallion. Guests were provided a tea service fit for a Queen with commemorative teacups.
Congratulations, Denise!
