Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 30: Canadian politician MPP Bhutila Karpoche awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal to Sherap Therchin, the Executive Director of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), in recognition of his contributions to democracy and human rights. The award ceremony took place in Parkdale–High Park, in Toronto, Canada, where five distinguished individuals were honoured for their exceptional service to their communities and Canada.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was introduced by the Canadian Government on May 3, 2023, to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the first coronation in 70 years. A total of 30,000 medals were designated to be awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada’s progress and well-being.
Sherap Therchin has been a key advocate in shaping Canada’s policies on Tibet and China. As the Executive Director of the CTC, he has worked tirelessly to advance democracy and human rights, amplifying the voices of Tibetans and promoting international awareness of Tibet-related issues. He was sanctioned by China along with two Canadian organisations targeting the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), which he leads, and 20 individuals in the last month of 2024 for their advocacy for Tibet and East Turkestan (Xinjiang).
“I am deeply honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal. I extend my sincere gratitude to MPP Bhutila Karpoche for her recognition and unwavering support,” Sherap stated. “This award reaffirms my commitment to continue advocating for a more human rights oriented foreign policy of Canada. Receiving this from Bhutila specially means a lot as she has been an inspiration to me and so many others in the human rights advocacy work. I thank everyone who has been part of this journey. I look forward to continuing this work with renewed dedication and purpose.”
During the ceremony, MPP Bhutila Karpoche praised the recipients for their unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy. “The King Charles III Coronation Medal recognises outstanding individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have made a meaningful difference in their communities and in Canada. As Executive Director of Canada Tibet Committee, Sherap Therchin has been a leading voice helping shape Canada’s policies on Tibet and China. He has worked tirelessly to advance democracy and human rights for all. It is my pleasure to present this medal to Sherap in recognition of his contributions to Canada,” she remarked.
Bhutila Karpoche, a Canadian politician of Tibetan heritage, made history in 2018 as the first Tibetan-origin person elected to public office in North America. Re-elected as MPP for Parkdale–High Park in 2022, she has served as the First Deputy Chair of the Ontario Legislative Assembly since November 2022. She was recently announced as the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Taiaiako’n—Parkdale–High Park in the 2025 Canadian federal election. Known for advocating affordable housing, workers’ rights, and public healthcare, Karpoche represents a riding that is home to one of the largest Tibetan diaspora communities in Canada.
Congratulations and all the best
Great job guys ! Very Very proud , keep up the good work.