Highest municipal honour bestowed upon four Squamish individuals in recognition of their life’s work

The District of Squamish has bestowed the municipality’s highest honour on four local residents. In a heartfelt ceremony, the Freedom of the Municipality was presented to Bob Baker, Gwen Harry, Shirley Toman and Thor Froslev for their life’s work and outstanding contribution to community. The award ceremony took place during the October 23 Special Council Meeting, the final meeting of the current Council, held at The 55 Activity Centre.

Froslev was recognized for his contribution as a driving force of art, culture and environmentalism over 40+ years. He arrived in Squamish with a vision of making an art gallery in the woods, and has worked tirelessly since to support visual art, theatre and music through the Brackendale Art Gallery and Teahouse. He was an Alderman for Squamish in the 1970s, was a crusader in establishing the Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, and established and hosts the annual eagle count each January.

Baker, Harry and Toman, all Squamish Nation Elders, were recognized for their courageous and inspiring work sharing their experiences as residential school survivors. The three elders were instrumental in raising awareness across Squamish, including work in local schools, through their first-hand accounts after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and calls to action had been published. The time they spent recounting their experiences have helped to achieve a greater level of truth and understanding across both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, and have helped in the community’s collective healing and path to reconciliation.

“On behalf of Council, I am deeply honoured to recognize Bob, Gwen, Shirley and Thor through this very symbolic gesture to honour their lifelong contribution to our community,” says Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “We are so thankful for the gifts that each has provided us with, and are inspired by their leadership. Our community is a better place because of the work they have done and continue to do.”

The Council meeting was well-attended by family, friends and well-wishers of Baker, Harry, Toman and Froslev. Council members and members of the audience had an opportunity to share stories about the honourees and express their appreciation, and members of the Squamish Nation gave thanks to their elders with traditional song.

Council also established the Gwen Harry, Bob Baker, Shirley Toman Scholarship in the amount of $1500, to be provided to the Squamish Nation annually. The recipient of the scholarship must be a Squamish area resident, decided by the Elders of Squamish Nation or their designate.

The award presentation was filmed and can be viewed in the District’s Online Video Libary (select Special Business Meeting – October 23, 2018, Item 3).

The Freedom of Municipality honours citizens for their outstanding contributions to community, and is the highest recognition a municipality can bestow. Freedom of the Municipality award recipients must receive a unanimous vote by Council. Practically speaking, a person conferred with the honour of freedom of the municipality has the right to vote in District of Squamish elections regardless of their property ownership or residency.

October 25, 2018