Surrey-based Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) commissioned a plaque for placement in front of the iconic Terry Fox memorial at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The Fox family’s Métis heritage is celebrated on the plaque, unveiled Thursday morning (April 14).
The plaque was designed in partnership with artist Douglas Coupland, who years ago designed the multi-figure statue of Fox that stands north of the stadium.
“Terry Fox was posthumously awarded the MNBC Order of the Sash, Métis Nation’s highest honour, in recognition of Terry’s contribution to the Nation and all people, as a leader in fundraising for cancer research,” the plaque reads in both English and French.
Thursday’s unveiling, livestreamed on the organization’s Facebook page, included remarks by MNBC officials along with Minister of Sport Melanie Mark, PAVCO chair Dr. Gwendolyn Point and Terry Fox’s brother, Darrell Fox, among others.
The Métis heritage of Terry Fox is celebrated on a new plaque commissioned by Surrey-based organization @MetisNationBC, near @bcplace.
— Tom Zillich (@TomZillich) April 14, 2022
STORY: https://t.co/zOQHjof47L@TerryFoxCanada #TerryFox #Metis pic.twitter.com/NYSqHOU7JN
• RELATED: Métis Nation, Terry Fox Foundation partner to create new sash to honour Canadian hero.
• ALSO READ: Terry Fox’s story through the eyes of his younger brother, Darrell Fox.
MNBC is the governing Métis Nation in B.C. representing nearly 90,000 self-identified Métis people in the province, according to the organization’s Facebook page.
“Creating a permanent display that celebrates this will provide an important educational tool for the public,” said Lissa Dawn Smith, MNBC president. “The Fox family has embraced their Métis identity and helped to shine a light on the rich culture our people hold.”
In 1980, Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope inspired the nation. Fox, who had earlier lost a leg to cancer, had a goal of running 42 kilometres a day to raise money for cancer research. As the Marathon of Hope continued, support grew.
Today, the annual Terry Fox Run, held each September, continues with Fox’s dream.
- with file from John Arendt, Black Press Media