An instantly recognizable Chilliwack name appeared on the list of appointees taking part in the Order of Canada investiture ceremony in Ottawa on Thursday morning (Sept. 18).
It was the name of trailblazing Steven Point, which is nothing short of legendary in Chilliwack and across B.C.
It was first announced in November 2023 that the "Honourable Steven Lewis Point, O.C., O.B.C., of Chilliwack, British Columbia," would be invested into the Order of Canada as an officer of the order, but this week was the formal ceremony in Rideau Hall.
An officer of the Order of Canada is appointed: “for achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large.”
Point's decades of leadership yielded many firsts.
"Esteemed leader and mentor Steven Point has had an inspirational career," according to the GG website. "In addition to serving as chief of the Skowkale First Nation, he was a provincial court judge, the first Indigenous lieutenant governor of British Columbia, and the first Indigenous chancellor of the University of British Columbia.
"He has championed education and has given back in myriad ways to his own First Nation community, to the province and to Canada."
Point is known as a Si:yam, the Halq’eméylem word for a leader, someone known for integrity and service.
Stó:lō-Coast Salish from Sq’ewqéyl First Nation (Skowkale), Point followed the teachings of his beloved elders.
His daughter, Á'a:líya Warbus, who is the MLA for Chilliwack Cultus Lake, offered her congratulations on her MLA page:
"I’d like to take a moment to celebrate a special constituent. Congratulations to the Honourable Steven Point - Xwelexweltel for receiving the Order of Canada today," she wrote. "You are, and always have been a steady, strong and decisive leader.
"You have helped anywhere and anytime you’re asked, and you keep your values in the fore front of all that you endeavour.
I am grateful and proud to celebrate you today, a well deserved moment of recognition for my Dad."
Steven Point served from 2007 to 2012 as the 28th B.C. Lieutenant Governor, on the heels as chief of Skowkale First Nation, and chiefs’ representative for Sto:lo Nation.
In 2014, he was bestowed the title of Grand Chief by the Sto:lo Tribal Council.
Point was presented in 2016 with the Order of Chilliwack, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, as well as the Order of B.C.
