What does it mean to be recognized for making a lasting impact in your community?

For the individuals from Canada’s HIV movement who were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, it’s a chance to celebrate, not just their personal contributions, but the collective strength of a movement. This prestigious honour highlights decades of advocacy and the tangible efforts that have improved the lives of people living with HIV.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal, created to mark His Majesty’s coronation on May 6, 2023, is the first Canadian medal of its kind.

Administered by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, it recognizes 30,000 Canadians for their significant contributions to their communities. Among them, 75 individuals from Canada’s HIV movement were honoured, celebrating their dedication and lasting impact.

To ensure diverse and inclusive recognition, the Government of Canada worked with partner organizations to manage nominations. The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) was tasked with selecting 75 individuals from the HIV movement who met the eligibility criteria:

• Have made a significant contribution to  the HIV/AIDS movement in Canada

• The award can be made posthumously, as long as the candidate was alive on May 6, 2023.

Through this partnership, CAS has been able to highlight the outstanding contributions of those working to advance progress, inclusion and human rights within the HIV community.

Celebrating Our Diversity

From grassroots advocates to academics and medical professionals, the recipients reflect the incredible diversity and strength of the HIV community. Each person represents a vital thread in a broader tapestry of activism, compassion, and innovation that has shaped the movement over decades. The Canadian AIDS Society worked carefully to ensure the selection process captured this breadth, celebrating individuals whose efforts have created real impact in the lives of people living with HIV.

This recognition is not without its complexities. For some, the medal’s ties to the monarchy raise important questions about Canada’s colonial history and the ongoing process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

A number of recipients chose to decline the honour, a decision that reflects the diversity of perspectives within Canada and the importance of personal values in shaping how we engage with national symbols. These choices are a reminder that meaningful conversations about history, identity, and collective responsibility continue to evolve, even within the context of recognition and celebration.

Practical challenges arose as well. Budget limitations meant there was no formal in-person ceremony, but an online recognition event is planned to celebrate the recipients and bring the community together. Despite these hurdles, the medal serves as a reminder of the progress the HIV movement has made—and the work that still lies ahead.

The Meaning Behind the Medal

When I learned about my nomination, I was genuinely surprised. Recognition like this doesn’t come every day, and for me, it symbolized something far greater than my own work. It’s a reflection of our collective strength.

Living with HIV for over 25 years and working in this field for nearly two decades has taught me that meaningful change only happens through collaboration. Seeing the full list of medal recipients was incredibly moving. It highlights the breadth of dedication across so many communities. Each person has made an impact in their own unique way, and together, these efforts tell a story of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment.

Acknowledgment, I believe, plays a vital role in recognizing the efforts of those who work tirelessly to create change. It validates the contributions and experiences of people living with HIV, demonstrating that their voices matter and that their work is seen. Recognition also inspires others to get involved and generates momentum for continued progress. For me, this medal represents a shared journey, and it’s an honor to stand alongside so many remarkable people who are driving change and shaping a more inclusive future for everyone.

I asked three of my fellow medal recipients to share their thoughts on what this honor means to them and how it might inspire them moving forward. The full list of recipients can be viewed HERE.

I am thrilled to be recognized and being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This recognition means a great deal to me personally, as it validates my over 20 years of hard work in the sector of HIV/AIDS and Stigma  awareness. This recognition comes as a result of numerous engagements in HIV/AIDS Health promotion and combating the stigma and discrimination, especially in the African immigrant and marginalized community.

This award means more determination and serves as a powerful reminder that my contributions are valued and this will fuel my passion to continue striving for excellence and will inspire me to take on new challenges with even greater enthusiasm, knowing that my efforts are making a real difference moving forward.

I am deeply honored that HIV Edmonton has recognized my 33 years of HIV activism and advocacy by nominating me for this award. I was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and began work in the HIV field in 1992. Initially I was doing advisory work on a national HIV project called Caring Together. I did peer support, activism and advocacy through an organization called Living Positive and was a volunteer at the AIDS Network of Edmonton (now HIV Edmonton). I became involved with the Alberta HIV Stigma Index in 2019 as a researcher and then jumped into the world of HIV research.

I am involved in several national research projects and continue to be involved in the Alberta HIV Stigma Index and one other provincial stigma reduction project. I am an author and contributor on several papers and abstracts. I am still involved in peer support, as it gives me considerable fulfillment. I am also co-chair of the Canadian Positive People Network and sit on a number of local, provincial and national boards of directors. This award inspires me because often the work of people living with HIV is undervalued and goes unrecognised. Receiving this award reminds me and others living with HIV that our work is seen and is greatly valued by the HIV community.

Receiving the King Charles III Coronation medal is, quite frankly, a wild ride! I've always juggled multiple jobs and collaborated with various organizations, probably making folks think I'm a bit off my rocker, but I’ve been deeply committed and busy! This medal is a nod to all those efforts.

It inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, embracing the unexpected, and continuing the work we're all so passionate about. It's a reminder that even in the chaos, making a difference is what truly counts. I'd like to put this medal out there for everyone to enjoy collectively and celebrate our shared success. Moving forward, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions and stay dedicated to their goals, no matter the challenges.

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