Dragonfly Centre is proud to announce their very own, Jessie Heisler has been nominated by the Canadian Women’s Foundation for the King’s Coronation Medal for her exceptional contributions to gender justice in our community. The Coronation Medals aim to recognize 30,000 outstanding people of all ages and walks of life who have made a difference in their communities. The medals are meant to recognize service, the environment and sustainability, and Canada’s diversity.

Through the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s connections with organizations in every province and territory of Canada their goal is to highlight a diverse group of nominees, aligned with their approach to grant-making which prioritizes communities facing multiple barriers. In recognition of the long histories of colonization, racism, violence, and exclusion, the Foundation prioritizes:

  • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and nonbinary peoples
  • Black women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary peoples
  • Women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary peoples living with disabilities
  • Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, androgynous, and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) peoples

Jessie has transformed the way rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities in Alberta confront sexual violence. Through the Rural Response to Sexual Abuse Training, Jessie has empowered frontline staff to provide life-changing support to survivors in areas where help is often hard to find. The Culture of Respect Program, which has reached nearly 90 rural schools, has sparked vital conversations on healthy relationships, body safety, and digital safety. Jessie’s work brings light to survivors, letting them know they are not alone, and creating a ripple of hope and healing across underserved communities.

One of our local news media picked up this story. Read Lakeland Today’s article for more.