First Nations Medal
Medal Presentation
The Lieutenant Governor's Medal associated with First Nations is part of a program that:
- celebrates positive Indigenous role models by highlighting the commitment, talent, and remarkable contributions of recipients to the vitality of Indigenous communities and Québec as a whole;
- advances reconciliation and recognition by celebrating Indigenous traditions, knowledge, and commitment;
- strengthens ties between Québec institutions and Indigenous nations, notably through collaboration with artists and the holding of ceremonies in communities, fostering respectful dialogue between peoples.
No financial reward is associated with the Lieutenant Governor's Honours and Recognition Program.
Visual Design of the First Nations Medal
This medal depicts a drum, upon which appears a canoe making its way along a river, set against a backdrop of a conifer forest. These elements pay tribute to the culture, history, and resilience of First Nations peoples. Its border bears the name and title of the Lieutenant Governor in office, grounding this distinction in the institutional continuity it embodies.
On the obverse of the medal, the province of Québec is represented and adorned with dots indicating the location of First Nations communities.
The medal is worn around the neck on a beaded lanyard, created specifically to evoke the values and deep relationship with the land.
>>> Drum
The drum brings people together — it is traditional, protective, and healing.
Its resonance allows for reconnection with culture, supports the transmission of knowledge, and maintains a strong spiritual bond. It remains a means of communication, cohesion, and sharing.
>>> Canoe
The canoe symbolizes dream, movement, and change. The journey it represents evokes strength, courage, resilience, and determination — much like those who contribute to building a better future.
>>> Nature
Nature, deeply revered, plays an essential role in the life and survival of Indigenous peoples. Like the recipients of the Medal, it contributes in a defining way to positive change, balance, and cultural continuity.
>>> Beaded Lanyard
The choice of colours reflects respect for and harmony with the natural environment — core values for First Nations peoples.
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White symbolizes purity, peace, and spirituality. It can also evoke light, the sun, and spiritual clarity.
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The shades of brown are associated with the nurturing earth and ancestral land. They also recall the natural materials used in customary practices: wood, leather, natural pigments, and traditional art objects.
Medal Allocation by Nation
The following is the medal allocation, based on the representation of Québec's Indigenous populations by nation:
Medal Allocation by Nation
Number of Medals Allocated
Submitting Nominations
The nomination period runs from November 1st to February 1st. After this date, the form will no longer be accessible in order to allow for the processing of nominations.
Before submitting a nomination for review, the individual or organization putting forward the nomination is invited to consult the eligibility criteria below to ensure that the nominations being submitted meet the requirements and fully reflect the values of this distinction.
We invite First Nations communities and organizations wishing to submit nominations who have not received our email to write to us at the following address: distinctions@mce.gouv.qc.ca.
Eligibility Criteria
For an individual to be eligible for nomination by a person, community organization, or Indigenous or non-Indigenous body, they must meet the following six (6) criteria:
- Be a member of a First Nations community recognized in Québec, belonging to one of the following nations: Abenaki (Abénaquis), Algonquin (Anishinaabe), Atikamekw, Cree (Eeyou), Huron-Wendat, Innu, Mi'gmaq (Micmac), Mohawk (Kanien'kehà:ka), Naskapi, or Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet).
- Have played an essential role in raising the profile of their nation or community, in Québec, across Canada, or internationally.
- Have contributed to the well-being of First Nations peoples through their commitment or achievements.
- Be recommended by an individual or an organization.
- Never have previously received this medal.
- Be an individual person (not an organization).
Only nominations for living individuals will be accepted. However, if the individual passes away after the nomination has been submitted, the nomination remains eligible.
PLEASE NOTE: The Lieutenant Governor reserves the right to reject any nomination that does not meet the eligibility criteria or for any other reason deemed relevant.
A Few Guidelines Before Completing the Form
Before completing the form, the individual or organization putting forward the nomination must take note of the following essential information:
Maintain the confidentiality of each nomination in order to avoid any disappointment or discomfort for the administration of the educational institution should the nomination not be selected. At the end of the selection process, the Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor will inform recipients by letter and official invitation. The awarding of the medal is not automatic.
Verify the exact spelling of the first name and birth surname of the nominated individual, as this information will be reproduced exactly for the official designation of the recipient.
Ensure correct use of accents, hyphens, upper case, and lower case letters.
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. Leaving a required field blank will prevent you from proceeding to the next step.
Do not write the text entirely in capital letters, as this is not permitted and may result in the form being rejected.
- Write the text in the language (French or English) in which you wish the recipient's introduction to be delivered at the ceremony.
Writing the Nomination Text :
The nomination text must be written in an appropriate manner and must not exceed 850 words.
It must describe how the nominated individual meets the eligibility criteria listed above and what sets them apart.
Summary Text for the Ceremony: :
In keeping with the writing guidelines, you will also be required to produce a summary text of no more than 75 words highlighting the nominated individual's key achievements and their contribution to raising the profile of their community, their nation, or Indigenous peoples in Québec, across Canada, or internationally.
This text may be used to introduce the person at the medal presentation ceremony.
Submitting a Nomination
The nomination period is currently closed.
La prochaine période de candidature ouvrira le 1er novembre 2026, dans :
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Submitting a Nomination
La période de candidature est ouverte jusqu’au 1er février 2027 inclusivement.
To submit a nomination, click the button below to access the nomination form directly.
Grounds for Rejecting a Nomination
- The person has already received the same medal for which their nomination is being submitted.
- The nomination form was completed by the recipient themselves.
- The presentation text is too brief, incomplete, or written in the form of a curriculum vitae.
- The text supporting the awarding of the medal was written by the nominated individual; it must be written in the third person singular.
PLEASE NOTE: The Lieutenant Governor reserves the right to reject any nomination that does not meet the eligibility criteria or for any other reason deemed relevant.
About the Ceremonies
The First Nations Medal ceremonies draw from the model established for the Lieutenant Governor's distinctions, providing a recognized framework for honouring remarkable contributions.
In order to respect the cultural, social, and geographic realities of Indigenous communities, practices and documents are adapted accordingly. Organized in close collaboration with the communities, the ceremonies may incorporate various symbolic and ceremonial elements — songs, speeches, offerings, or other traditions — reflecting the values and customs of each nation.
This approach fosters celebrations that are meaningful, respectful, and authentic for all those in attendance.
About Attendance at the Ceremony :
Upon receiving the official invitation, the recipient is required to attend in person in order to receive their medal. This ceremonial occasion represents a privileged moment of recognition, sharing, and celebration of the journeys and achievements being honoured.
When a distinction is awarded posthumously, in accordance with the established criteria, the medal may be presented to a family member or designated representative, in order to honour the memory, commitment, and legacy of the distinguished individual.
This attendance requirement helps preserve the solemn, authentic, and respectful character of the honours presentation ceremonies.