Carolyn King, C.M.
Carolyn King C.M., a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), embodies a lifetime dedicated to advancing Indigenous recognition, respect, and relationships in Canada. With over four decades of experience in First Nations community development, land-use planning, communications, and advocacy, Carolyn has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indigenous empowerment.
As the first woman in this role, Carolyn is a former Chief of MCFN. From 1997 to 1999, Carolyn spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and well-being, economic reconciliation, and preserving Indigenous heritage. Beyond her role as a former-Chief, Carolyn’s influence extends across various platforms. Through her vast networks, she has lent her expertise to numerous organizations at local, provincial, and national levels, serving in advisory capacities. In recognition of her unwavering advocacy, Carolyn was given the Diamond Jubilee medal and appointed to the Order of Canada in 2020, a testament to her tireless efforts in promoting Indigenous-led initiatives and fostering greater understanding of First Nations among Canadians.
Carolyn’s commitment to Indigenous heritage preservation and promotion is exemplified through her founding of the Moccasin Identifier Initiative in 2011. This innovative Initiative aims to cover Canada in Moccasins, each pair a testament to our shared responsibilities and the steps we must take toward reconciliation, while fostering awareness of Treaties, and Indigenous connections to the land. In addition to her professional achievements, Carolyn, married to the late Fred King, is a devoted mother of two, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to one.
Carolyn has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including awards from the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Province of Ontario, City of Mississauga, 150 Ontario, Ontario Professional Planner Institute, and the City of Toronto, recognizing her outstanding contributions to heritage preservation and community development. Moreover, her leadership has been honored by her own community, which bestowed upon her the prestigious Eagle Feather in acknowledgment of her dedication to preserving Indigenous culture and history.
