A man who has played a prime role in building relationships in Salmon Arm between the Shuswap鈥檚 first people and those who settled in the region has been recognized provincially.
Louis Thomas, a Secwepemc knowledge keeper from the Neskonlith First Nation, is among 18 British Columbians to receive a Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding service and commitment to helping others in their communities. They were selected from more than 100 nominees.
A bio included with the province鈥檚 news release points out Thomas has been walking a path of reconciliation, relationship building and teaching in the Shuswap for more than 40 years.
Reached during a break between meetings 鈥� typical of his schedule, Thomas said he initially wasn鈥檛 going to accept the award.
鈥淚鈥檓 not in it for the glory. I just do it as it鈥檚 something that needs to be done,鈥� he said, adding he talked to a few people who told him he had been nominated by others. 鈥淚 said I鈥檒l do it then. I didn鈥檛 want to hurt their feelings.鈥�
Building relationships is part of his duties as a councillor with the Neskonlith band, he said, 鈥渂ut they said I went over and above that.鈥�
Along with building bridges, Thomas works to bring up the profile of his people.
鈥淭o provide a better understanding, when we talk about truth and reconciliation. I鈥檝e been doing that for quite a few years.鈥�
Asked if he thinks he鈥檚 made headway, he says, without hesitation, yes. The many friendships he鈥檚 made are evidence.
鈥淲hen I look back at my life, it鈥檚 not about what I do but about the friendships I鈥檝e created along the way.鈥�
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The bio points to his wide sphere of influence.
鈥淗is determination to share Secwepemc knowledge and culture with children throughout the region has helped shape school curriculum, art gallery exhibitions, library programs and writers festivals.
鈥淭he son of Dr. Mary Thomas, the famed Neskonlith elder and ethnobotanist, Thomas continues his mother鈥檚 legacy by staying involved with all aspects of life in the Shuswap鈥� His efforts to preserve traditional Secwepemc food plants were the centerpiece of a recent exhibition exploring food sovereignty, security and sustainability.
鈥淎s a community leader, Thomas believes that all facets of community: housing, safe walking routes, food security, community building, restoration of the Salmon River delta, respect for the land and economic improvement are all connected.鈥�
The bio points to his compassionate nature, humour, persistence and gentle persuasion, combined with his traditional knowledge and story telling, which have been invaluable as he helped create key organizations in the Shuswap.
Thomas was one of the trail stewards in a Salmon Arm Arts Centre exhibition and trail exploration project from 2014 to 2016.
鈥淗is impact was immense,鈥� it states. 鈥淗e became a leader and helped the arts centre navigate the project with a respect for traditional wisdom, language and story-telling.鈥�
Premier John Horgan added his appreciation for the medal recipients.
鈥淐ongratulations to this year鈥檚 recipients of the Good Citizenship Medal. Your outstanding contributions to the well-being of your communities inspire us all,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he generous gifts of your time and support make a difference in people鈥檚 lives and help build a stronger province for everyone.鈥�
marthawickett@saobserver.net
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