Remarks by the Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Order Of British Columbia Investiture
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Victoria, British Columbia
As Lieutenant Governor and as the Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, I welcome you all here to Government House today. I would especially like to welcome the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of the Province; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Bill Barisoff; Chief Justice Lance Finch, the current Chair of the Advisory Council; and of course all of the recipients.
Congratulations to the recipients. We are gathered here today to honour your contribution to the fabric of British Columbia. British Columbia already has a wonderful history replete with stories of people who have made great contributions to its color, its strength, and its grandeur. The Order of BC was established in 1989 and is BC’s highest honour in recognition of service to all British Columbians. While listening to the stories about your contributions I couldn’t help but be reminded of the old legend about the origin of the cedar tree.
It is told to children as a bedtime story about a very wise and generous man who gave to others all of his life. He died in the service of his people and where he was buried, the cedar tree grew. The people use this tree today for medicine, for baby boards, for making rope, for making clothing, for cleansing ceremonies, its roots for baskets, its bark for mats. This legend reminds us to give to others, to be of use to others without expectation of reward or recognition.
I know that receiving such recognition can be stressful because of the attention, the cameras, but these ceremonies are important because they serve to recognize your gift to British Columbia. This in turn allows us to show our appreciation to you and it serves to send a message out to all British Columbians that giving to community is truly important and valued.
In the future, recipients may be expected to wear the OBC medal at special occasions and hereby act as ambassadors for the spirit of this award, which is service to British Columbia. On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and on behalf of the people of this province, I thank you for your contribution to our province and welcome you into the Order of British Columbia.
- Honorary Aides-de-Camp:
- - Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne Dauphinee
- - Deputy Warden Patrick Doherty
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