This blog post was written by Reconnection Vision Fellow and Communications Team Member Carissa Waugh.

This past September, I had the incredible honour of receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of my “meaningful contributions and dedication to the work of the Yukon and beyond.” At the same time, I was also being acknowledged for my time on the Assembly of First Nations National Women’s Council, where I represented all Yukon First Nations women and girls — and became the youngest woman ever to sit on the Council.

What is the King Charles III Coronation Medal?

The Coronation Medal program was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region, or community in Canada, or who have attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country.

I’ll admit — writing this blog feels a little strange. I don’t want it to come across as bragging. Instead, I want to be open and honest with you. This journey hasn’t been easy, and truthfully, it’s far from over — but in the best way possible.

The Yukon First Nations Climate Action Fellowship (now known as the Reconnection Vision) began in January 2021. At the time, I was 27 years old, unemployed, and unsure of who I was or what I wanted to do. The Fellowship gave us safe spaces to connect with one another, and with ourselves. We had real conversations about life and mental health, and like any family, we had our ups and downs. But I found a community I could lean on when things got hard.

Through the Fellowship, I began to learn who I was — and who I am becoming. I found the love and support to continue my beadwork and hobby business, I embraced ceremony, public speaking, and self-discovery — even through obstacles and grief.

During this time, I worked many jobs — sometimes up to four at once — from planning Salmon Ceremonies with the Salmon Knowledge Hub to working as a research assistant at Yukon University. None of this was handed to me. I worked hard behind the scenes, and that hard work opened doors. I began traveling for conferences, panels, and gatherings — to Egypt, Norway, Rwanda, and Greenland, to name a few. None of these were vacations; they were opportunities to learn, listen, and share.

Unfortunately, lateral violence is still very real. I’ve been bullied by people I once called friends — to my face and behind my back. Some of my most joyous moments were dimmed by a few individuals’ hurtful actions. Even just days after receiving this medal, someone told me how “weird and random” it was, leaving me uncomfortable. But I’ve learned not to let those moments overshadow the overwhelming love and support that surround me.

I’m sharing all this because I value transparency. Our leadership — and our communities — need more honesty and authenticity. It’s the only way we can break the cycle of burnout and mistrust. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey because it shaped who I am today. Still, I hope those who have caused harm find the space to heal and reflect, so they can stop hurting others. We all need to do better, for our communities.

I don’t do this work for recognition, free trips, or medals. I do it to learn — to bring home knowledge for my community, my nieces and nephews, and anyone who will listen. I also do it to share my own experiences and teachings with others.

I’m so grateful to whoever nominated me for this medal. I’m still in shock, especially knowing the incredible company I was among that day. This honour made me feel seen — like my work matters, and I can keep going. You can watch me continue my advocacy work with the To Swim and Speak with Salmon Training and Advocacy Program.

I have a strong support system, but I am also a strong Indigenous woman who refuses to back down. I will continue to speak out when things aren’t right. I will continue to fight for our women and girls, our salmon, our culture — and I will always be a voice for the voiceless.

Thank you all for your love and support, no matter how big or small. And a huge shout out to my nieces for joining me on stage to accept my medal. This one is for you!

My message for any youth reading this right now:

Be brave and try new things. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable! I have lived many different lives, even in the past five years. I am constantly learning new things about the world around me and even myself. Apply for that program, schooling, job…. even if you don’t think you qualify in any way, oh and be open to learning! We will never be done learning, isn’t that exciting?