Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, presented the family of Grasmere’s Lita Salanski with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship, in recognition of the late woman’s contributions to her community.

The ceremony was held at 2 p.m. at Triple Tree Ranch in Grasmere on Saturday, May 14.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

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Salanski passed away in September 2015 and her legacy to her community will continue for future generations. The posthumous honour, to be accepted by her family, recognizes the impact she had on Grasmere, its ranching and farming community, educational infrastructure and spiritual foundation through her involvement with the Triangle Women's Institute (TWI),  the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Council of Cattlemen, East Kootenay College Board and Grasmere United Church.

At the same time Salanski was adjusting to married life, raising a family and building and running a business, she became involved in the many projects of the TWI. Her leadership skills along with her enthusiasm played a major role in TWI's success in bringing a modern highway, electric power and telephone to the isolated community of Grasmere. She spent countless hours writing letters, lobbying the government, knocking on doors and selling the idea that the residents of Grasmere were part of British Columbia and needed to have the amenities others took for granted.

She was passionate about the need for education and became a local school board trustee and later became the chairman of the board. Salanski was a founding member of the East Kootenay Community College board and later an honorary member of its board. She worked to improve the economy of the area through her involvements in local farming organizations, leading her to become the first female president of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. She also served on the Canadian Council of Cattlemen board.

Her service to her community extended to many other organizations like 4-H and the Grasmere United Church and she was instrumental in ensuring the congregation established a place of worship within the community.

Salanski is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.

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Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark  – 

“Lita Salanski was a leader, a builder, a mentor, and an example that one person has the power to change a community. The Medal of Good Citizenship was created to honour people like Lita, who have made a real difference in people’s lives.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East  – 

“Lita Salanski was a force of nature and an inspiration to younger generations; her determination made life better in Grasmere and the East Kootenay. Between family life and tireless community work, hers was a life well lived and with this honour we celebrate all she has accomplished.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and chair, Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee  –  

“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better and this honour acknowledges their excellence, achievement and service. The time spent reviewing nominations was inspiring, and it reinforced to me that we live in a province where each and every day citizens can make a difference through their generosity and selflessness.”

Shelley Salanski, daughter of Medal of Good Citizenship recipient Lita Salanski – 

“Our family is proud and delighted to accept the Medal of Good Citizenship on behalf of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Lita Salanski. She was a wonderful and special lady, and a true matriarch of our family. Her hard work, wisdom, and enthusiasm always inspired us to do well and be helpful toward others. Our family would like to thank the Province of British Columbia for this prestigious honour, as well as the Triangle Women’s Institute in Grasmere for the nomination.”

Quick Facts:

• The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
• Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
• All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
• More than 220 nominations were reviewed.
• Additional medal presentation ceremonies will be held throughout the province in the coming months.

Learn More:

To learn more about the medal, or to nominate a good citizen in your community, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

To view photos of recipient ceremonies, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskw9MKjm