We are incredibly proud to announce that Elder Rita Marten has been honoured as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal. This recognition is a testament to Rita’s unwavering commitment and advocacy for the preservation of the Cree language.

Elder Rita Marten has dedicated much of her life to ensuring that the Cree language, a vital part of our Indigenous culture and identity. This esteemed honour was presented to Rita by Member of Parliament Laila Goodridge, who acknowledged her invaluable contributions to the community and her role as a leader in language preservation efforts.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities, and Rita’s dedication to the Cree language and culture is a perfect example of such service. Her passion, perseverance, and commitment to preserving Indigenous heritage have left an incredible mark on the community, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her lifelong efforts. In a delightful twist, Rita shared a special connection with the medal’s namesake: she and King Charles were both born in the same year. “I was born on the trapline, and he was born in the United Kingdom,” Rita says with a smile, what a neat coincidence!

Congratulations, Rita! Your leadership, advocacy, and contributions will continue to inspire future generations.