Order of the Dogwood: The History of British Columbia's Former Highest Honour
Before the modern system of provincial recognition, British Columbia utilized a prestigious award known as the Order of the Dogwood. This honour served as the province's highest distinction for over two decades, recognizing individuals who made significant contributions to the region.
The Origins of the Honour
The path to the Order of the Dogwood began in 1958 with the creation of the Dogwood Medallion. Established by the provincial Crown-in-Council, the medallion was designed to commemorate the centennial of the establishment of the Colony of British Columbia.
By 1966, the province sought a more formal honour. During a provincial Cabinet meeting held at Fort Langley on November 19, 1966, the Order of the Dogwood was officially created. This new honour was timed to mark the centennial of the union between the Colony of British Columbia and the Colony of Vancouver Island.
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Establishment and First Recipients
The transition from decree to award happened rapidly. Immediately following the Cabinet meeting, Lieutenant Governor George Pearkes—who would later be appointed to the order himself—gave his consent for the creation of the honour.
The first recipients were presented with the award that same evening during the Douglas Day dinner. The inaugural group of five recipients included:
- Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
- The Viscount Amory (Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company)
- Sir Robert Bellinger (Lord Mayor of London)
- Clarence Wallace
- Frank Mackenzie Ross
Of these first five, Sir Robert Bellinger and Frank Mackenzie Ross were present at the ceremony to receive the honour.
Transition to the Order of British Columbia
For twenty-three years, the Order of the Dogwood remained the pinnacle of provincial recognition. However, in 1989, it was replaced by the Order of British Columbia, which now serves as the province's highest honour.
One of the most notable figures to receive the award toward the end of its tenure was Terry Fox, who was granted the Order of the Dogwood in 1980. He stands as the final person to be granted this specific honour.
Key Facts
- Predecessor: The Dogwood Medallion (est. 1958).
- Founded: November 19, 1966, at Fort Langley.
- Purpose: To mark the centennial of the union of the Colony of British Columbia and the Colony of Vancouver Island.
- First Recipients: Five individuals, including Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
- Final Recipient: Terry Fox (1980).
- Successor: The Order of British Columbia (est. 1989).
| Year | Event/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Dogwood Medallion created | Commemorated BC Colony centennial |
| 1966 | Order of the Dogwood created | Commemorated union of BC and Vancouver Island colonies |
| 1980 | Terry Fox awarded | Last person to receive the honour |
| 1989 | Replaced by Order of British Columbia | End of the Order of the Dogwood as the highest honour |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the predecessor to the Order of the Dogwood?
The predecessor was the Dogwood Medallion, which was created in 1958 to commemorate the centennial of the establishment of the Colony of British Columbia.
When and where was the Order of the Dogwood established?
It was created on November 19, 1966, during a provincial Cabinet meeting held at Fort Langley.
Who were the first people to receive the Order of the Dogwood?
The first five recipients were Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; The Viscount Amory; Sir Robert Bellinger; Clarence Wallace; and Frank Mackenzie Ross.
Who was the last person to be granted the Order of the Dogwood?
Terry Fox was the final recipient of the honour, receiving it in 1980.
What replaced the Order of the Dogwood as the highest provincial honour?
In 1989, the Order of the Dogwood was replaced by the Order of British Columbia.