On Saturday, Feb. 2, the Anglican Church of Canada\u2019s first National Indigenous Bishop, Mark MacDonald, will receive the Queen\u2019s Diamond Jubilee Medal at Queen\u2019s Park, Toronto.<\/p>\n
Created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth\u2019s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada, the medal honours Canadians who have made significant contributions and achievements to the country.<\/p>\n
MacDonald is being recognized for his \u201cspiritual leadership while serving Aboriginal communities and his contributions to environmental awareness of Canadians,\u201d\u009d said NDP MP Craig Scott (Toronto-Danforth), who nominated MacDonald. MacDonald will join 29 other community leaders who will be awarded the medal by Scott. Each Member of Parliament was given 30 medals to present to outstanding constituents in their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very blessed and surprised to receive this honour and very grateful to Craig Scott for his nomination,\u201d\u009d said MacDonald in an interview. \u201cIt means a lot at a number of levels to me, some very personal, but, most importantly, recognizes and honours the vision of the elders for the future of the People of the Land.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n