A Swift Current resident was recently thanked by the province of Saskatchewan with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a prestigious new medal recognizing individuals for their contributions, qualities, and services.
The Coronation Medal is the first-ever Canadian award with the symbolism of His Majesty, King Charles III to commemorate his coronation in May 2023.
Icasiana De Gala, local advocate for empowerment through education, a lawyer with Anderson & Company Law Office, board member with several non-profits, and former executive director of the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, noted that she could hardly believe that she was selected for such an honour.
"My initial reaction was that this is a scam, so I called and I asked," De Gala shared. "The thing is, I belittle myself and wonder why they would give it to me,
"But reflecting back on the things that I did, maybe the work that I did over the course of the years that I was at the Welcome Centre has some lingering impacts."
Throughout her various endeavours, De Gala has always taken a proactive approach to meeting the needs of the community and brought the unique experience and insight of an immigrant in welcoming numerous other newcomers.
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Russ Mirasty, will present De Gala with the medal and certificate this afternoon at the Government House in Regina.
"I'm quite pleased because it's an honour to get an award like this, a first of its kind," she added.
De Gala can now showcase her King Charles III Coronation Medal alongside her previously received Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal.