Canada’s Governor General David Johnston handed out the first 60 Diamond Jubilee medals in Ottawa Monday morning and three northerners were among the recipients.

Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne following the death of her father 60 years ago today. To celebrate, 60,000 Canadians will get Diamond Jubilee medals to recognize their significant contributions to the country.

Gail Cyr was honoured at the ceremony for her tireless work with the St. John Ambulance organization in Yellowknife, which she has worked with since the 1980s. Her work helped to raise the organization’s profile in the North.

William Matthew Raistlen Jones was awarded one of the prestigious medals for his leadership as an aboriginal role model and for his dedication to the arts. (Facebook)

“What we’re trying to do is integrate ourselves into the community so that we are going to be part and parcel of the community response. That’s what we want to see in the future. So we’re not this little organization in the background – we want to be one of the organizations front and centre if something happens. If we’re not part of it, my belief was we might as well just pack up and go home,” said Cyr of her work with the organization.

The organization provides community service, CPR and first aid training.

A Yukoner was recognized with the prestigious medal for his community service. William Matthew Raistlen Jones was also in Ottawa Monday to receive one of the medals at the Governor General’s residence.

Jones got the medal for his leadership as an aboriginal role model and for his dedication to the arts.

Johnny Issaluk from Nunavut was also one of the recipients. He was recognized for contributing to health and wellness in the territory.

Monday’s ceremony in Ottawa was just the first of many which will happen across the country. Northwest Territories commissioner George Tuccaro will be on hand at the legislative assembly Tuesday to present jubilee medals to other deserving northerners.

The medals will be handed out over the next year.