"Six Nations and New Credit Diamond Jubilee medal recipients"

It was a moment of pride for Six Nations and New Credit families when five community members received Diamond Jubilee medals for excellence in community service.

The Sanderson Centre was packed Saturday morning for ceremonies.

Six Nations band members Nina Burnham, Suzie Miller, Gayle Myke, and New Credit Members Carolyn King, and Margaret Sault were honoured with Diamond Jubilee medals.

The medals celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's ascension as Queen of Canada, an event that hasn't happened since Queen Victoria's rule in 1897. 60,000 individuals across Canada are being honoured with medals as true heroes of communities.

A total of 54 medals were given out to the Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations and New Credit community members. Elected Chiefs Bill Montour of Six Nations and Brian LaForme of New Credit were on hand with MP Phil McColeman and Brant MPP Dave Levac to present the medals.

Dr. Nina Burnham was the first from Six Nations community to receive a medal for her "constant presence and selfless commitment to the people of Six Nations."

Six Nations' Suzie Miller came next. She "developed Pen-Pal programs between First Nations schools and non native schools promoting peace and understanding."

Gayle Myke from Six Nations was honoured as founder of 'arts after school kids' program for her "tireless devotion to fundraising for art education for children."

Carolyn King followed for being "a strong advocate of First Nations history and culture and co-founder of New Credit Public Library."

King said it was great to receive the award. "It was a nice honour." She said that as she's a band employee she's tried to keep the Anishnaabe name out there and to "create an awareness about our culture."

New Credit's Margaret Sault received a jubilee medal for being "one of the finest historians in Ontario" and a strong advocate for the people of Mississauga's of the New Credit."

MP Phil McColeman told the packed audience the recipients were from all walks of life that helped make up what he called the "mosaic" of Canada.

Six Nations Elected Chief Montour congratulated the recipients for moving the Six Nations community forward. "These people help us live to what we can be. The future is what I see," he said. "These people have created a future for us to see with their help, with their families. We really appreciate your contribution," he said.

New Credit Chief LaForme said awards like this help acknowledge the contributions of community members that sometimes fly under the radar. "Quite often their contributions and their activities go unheard, or unseen, but not today," he said. "Today they will be recognized."