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Order of the Dogwood facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Order of the Dogwood was a very special award in British Columbia, Canada. It was the highest honour a regular person could receive from the province for their amazing public service. This award was given out from 1966 to 1989. During that time, 13 people were chosen to receive it.

How It Started

Before the Order of the Dogwood, there was something called the Dogwood Medallion. This medallion was created in 1958. It celebrated 100 years since the Colony of British Columbia was first set up.

The Order of the Dogwood itself was created later. This happened during a special meeting of the provincial government. The meeting was held at Fort Langley on November 19, 1966. It marked another important 100-year anniversary. This time, it was 100 years since the Colony of British Columbia joined with the Colony of Vancouver Island.

Right after the meeting, Lieutenant Governor George Pearkes approved the new award. He would later receive the award himself! The first people to get the award received it that same evening.

The first five people to receive the Order of the Dogwood were Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, The Viscount Amory, Sir Robert Bellinger, Clarence Wallace, and Frank Mackenzie Ross. Sir Robert Bellinger and Frank Mackenzie Ross were there for the ceremony.

The Order of the Dogwood was the top provincial award until 1989. That year, it was replaced by a new award called the Order of British Columbia. The very last person to receive the Order of the Dogwood was Terry Fox, who got it in 1980.

What the Award Looked Like

The Order of the Dogwood could be given to people who didn't even live in British Columbia. However, it could not be given to someone who was currently working in a public office for the province.

People who received the award got a special medal made of gold. On one side, the medal had a picture of the beautiful dogwood flower. On the other side, it showed the provincial coat of arms. Along with the medal, recipients also received a certificate. This certificate had the official Great Seal of British Columbia on it.

Who Received the Award?

Between 1966 and 1989, a total of 13 people were given the Order of the Dogwood:

See also

  • Orders, decorations, and medals of the Canadian provinces
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