Esk’etemc Kukpi7 Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Alkali Lake, B.C.: The First Nation of Esk’etemc is proud to share that Kukpi7 Fred Robbins has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an award that recognizes his leadership, longstanding commitment to community, and continued efforts to strengthen relationships and advance Nation-building. Kukpi7 Robbins was nominated by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations.

In a letter to Kukpi7 Robbins, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, wrote: "It is with great honour to inform you that you have been selected as the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we extend our warmest congratulations to you!"

Recipients of the medal have made a significant contribution or achieved outstanding accomplishments within their communities. To be a recipient was a surprise and a great honour for Kukpi7 Robbins, who shared that it was great news, especially at a time which was very challenging for him as a leader.

“It has been a heavy year for our community, having lost many Elders, or as I call them, our ‘history books’, so this honour was uplifting in a time of sadness and reflection,” shared Kukpi7.

Over the decades, Kukpi7 Robbins has dedicated himself to learning from his Nation’s Elders. This has inspired him to focus on empowering future generations through his role in the development and promotion of Orange Shirt Day, as well as the co-creation of First Nations curriculum of Indian Residential School education for kids in grades 5 and 10. He hopes this recognition through the King Charles III Coronation Medal encourages future leaders to be active and vocal for their communities when it comes to improvements and healing.

“I dedicate this honour to my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and to the leadership who blazed a trail of healing,” shared Kukpi7. “I would also like to recognize that my staff have stood beside me through difficult days, and my wife and daughters have given me unconditional love and trust as a leader, a dad, and a husband. Although this medal has my name on it, it is for my community, family, and our past, present, and future leaders.”

Esk’etemc leadership, Elders, and community members extend their congratulations to Kukpi7 Robbins. This recognition reflects the strength, resilience, and continued work being carried forward on behalf of the community.