Several residents of the Lac La Biche region are among 7,000 Albertans to receive Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal.
At a small reception recently, seven locals were presented their awards by Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean. The seven recipients are Omer Moghrabi, Donna Webster, Gail Broadbent, Dave Phillips, Doris Burdek, Art Avery, and Rene Schaub.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award is given to Alberta residents in recognition of their contributions to the province, and commemorates the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. The local recipients were nominated last year by a wide range of sources, including the MLA's office, Indigenous organizations, the Canadian Armed Forces and non-government community organizations.
Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov and council members were also on hand for last week's presentation.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1952. She passed away in September of 2022, during her 70th year reigning as the Queen of England and the Commonwealth countries, including Canada.
The unique medals are made of copper and plated with nickel. The medals depict an image of the Queen and two maple leaves on the front, and the Alberta provincial shield with wild roses on the back. The ribbon, with red, white and blue striping. depicts the blue and while colours of the province and the red and white colours of the country.
Along with the 1952 to 2022 dates of her reign, the medals have the saying 'Vivat Regina' which means Long Live the Queen.
Jean said the local recipients are "notable community members" who are devoted to the community.
The platinum jubilee medal program officially closed on February 3.