Chawathil First Nation Coun. Aaron Pete has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his leadership and service to his community.
"I'm grateful to have received the award," Pete said. "It's a good mile marker on the trajectory of where people are going (in life). I'm incredibly grateful to be among other people who have received this award. There's people I really admire and it's a privilege to be alongside them. And I can't wait to see who gets nominated and wins the award next."
Pete received the award on May 23, which was presented to him by Chilliwack-Hope MP Mark Strahl. He is the third Hope member to win the medal for 2025; Ian Williams, the former president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #228, was presented the award on Feb. 22. And Hope Army Cadets regiment leader Lt. Johannes "Hans" Mulder received the award on March 19.
A graduate of the Peter A. Allard School of Law, Pete became a councillor in 2022 and has worked to improve his community's economy and infrastructure. He's been involved in Chawathil's 31-housing unit project and the community's project to repair its 89 houses. He is also working to improve his community's sewage and water systems.
Pete is the host of the Bigger Than Me podcast, which he started during law school. The podcast has almost reached its 200th episode. He uses the podcast to interview community leaders, politicians and role models. Past interviews include Premier David Eby and John Rustad, leader of the BC Conservatives, during the 2024 provincial election.
"To have somebody want to take the time to acknowledge my hard work means a lot to mean and indicates that I'm moving in the right direction," Pete said. "Especially when you're pushing forward on so many different projects, and trying to bring better for your community, and bring to life different perspectives on the podcast."
When asked what's next for him, Pete said he is running for chief in the upcoming Chawathil election on July 9.
The medal was created to mark the coronation of King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, launched it, and the medal was approved by the King and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint.
The medal recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. Specifically, medal recipients must have made a "significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada."
— with files from Jessica Peters
