VIU Métis Elder-In-Residence presented with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Stella Erasmus Johnson’s contributions to preserving her culture recognized by national organization representing Métis women.­­

Métis Knowledge Holder Stella Erasmus Johnson joins an elite group of Canadians who have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their significant contributions to Canada and its communities. 

Aunty Stella received the medal in a presentation during the Infinity Convention in Ottawa on March 19. She was one of 30 to receive it from Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) President Melanie Omeniho. 

Omeniho received a medal for exemplary service in reconciliation in September 2024. She was charged with carrying the honour forward and given 30 medals with which she could personally recognize exemplary Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

“Stella Erasmus Johnson is a revered Elder from the Métis community of McLennan, Alberta,” reads an announcement from the Métis organization. “With deep ties to her ancestral traditions, she is a respected Knowledge Keeper, mentor and cultural educator dedicated to preserving and promoting Métis heritage. Stella’s work spans decades, focusing on sharing the teachings of her ancestors, fostering reconciliation and uplifting Indigenous voices.”

“It is as an honour to be recognized for the things that I’ve done throughout my life,” says Stella. “I’ve done a lot of work for different Métis Nations and here in BC. I didn't know that I would be receiving one, I just feel so overwhelmed.”

Stella is part of the Cree nation, whose people form part of the historic Algonquin 

North American indigenous nations. She is a fluent speaker of Cree and Michif and has worked generously for many years helping to preserve her culture and language through workshops and presentations throughout the mid-Island and in her role as Elder-in-Residence at VIU. 

Stella was raised by her grandmother from the age of five and thanks her for imparting her native language and nourishing her cultural knowledge. 

“It is important we revitalize our languages,” she says. “Learning our language helps to learn who we are, we become lost without it.”

Stella began her journey at VIU as a Métis Elder-in-Residence in 2012. 

The King Charles III Coronation Medals are being awarded to 30,000 Canadians across the country for their significant contributions to community.