First Nation honors special lady

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Grace Elliott-Nielsen was honoured by the staff and board of directors of Tillicum Haus in Nanaimo at a special Christmas ceremony held Dec. 17.

Elliott-Nielsen, executive director of Tillicum Haus and president of the British Columbia Native Friendship Centres was presented with a ceremonial blanket and a carved plaque, on which were mounted the Order of British Columbia that she received in 2000 and the Queen's medal presented to her this year.

After the presentation, Elliott-Nielsen was further honored with songs sung by Charles Nelson, the hereditary chief of the Bella Coola First Nation, Paul Lacert, the executive director of the B.C. Native Friendship Centres from Prince George, and David Bill from the Tseyeum Band in Saanich.