On Canada Day, beneath the shimmering emerald green canopy of an old growth rainforest, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society bestowed its highest honour on one of the most influential songwriters of the late 20th century: the legendary Joni Mitchell.

The intimate gold medal ceremony took place on a wooden amphitheatre at B.C.'s Ruby Lake Resort - a spectacular Sunshine Coast property featuring ancient western red cedar trees, a sparkling, swimmable lake and a protected lagoon which is home to beavers, Canada geese and painted turtles. The nature-loving L.A.-based musician and painter, now 81-years-old and whose Canadian residence is in the area, chose the resort given her longtime ties with the Italian family who owns the property.

Candace Campo of the Shíshálh Nation welcomes Joni Mitchell. (Photo: David Gray) Resplendent in an embroidered sapphire blue velvet pant suit by boho-inspired designer Johnny Was and a stunning gold bracelet by Hopi jewellery maker Charles Laloma, Mitchell sat centre-stage on an intricately carved wooden throne and listened intently as Shíshálh Nation member Candace Campo opened the ceremony.

"Good evening everybody. I welcome you to the beautiful homeland of our Shíshálh family. I welcome Joni," offered Campo to the small gathering of friends and dignitaries before directing her gaze to Mitchell, who answered with a warm smile. "On behalf of the Shíshálh people, it's our honour to be part of this ceremony - the ceremony for Joni Mitchell who is a storyteller, a representative of our community and our country and who stands behind a truth that we are all proud of."

The collective admiration for Mitchell - known for her uncompromising artistic integrity and environmental and human rights activism - was palpable as RCGS CEO John Geiger took the stage. "Canada is at a truly consequential period in its history, with external threats to our very sovereignty," Geiger declared. "All the more reason for us to gather today as Canadians who love our country and to celebrate what is, and what will always be, the true north strong and free." Mitchell's face, framed by her signature braids, lit up and she nodded and pounded her cane on the amphitheatre's floor in agreement. "Not only is Joni Mitchell a like-minded Canadian," said Geiger, "but her artistry and soaring talent have made an indelible impact on Canadian identity and society."

A photo of Joni from a high school annual when she attended Aden Bowman Collegiate, Saskatoon. Joni graduated in 1962. (Photo courtesy of Betty and Marion Hemingway) The Canadian icon, he continued, has written and performed songs that evoke a sense of place for people everywhere. "They've been as 'constant as a northern star,'" he said, quoting a line from A Case of You, which mentions Canada directly, and then referencing another Joni Mitchell favourite, River. "The impact of Joni's talent extends far beyond Canada's border, yet Canada remains there, still, at the centre of it all. By your gift, then, Joni, you have embodied the Society's mission to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world, and reminded us all that we have many great rivers yet to skate on."

After RCGS President the Honourable Lois Mitchell gently placed the gold medal around the songwriter's neck, the artist held the award close to her chest. "Well, this is a great honour. It's a beautiful piece, too. Thank you very much. I'm proud of this," said Mitchell.

"We're proud of you, too, Joni!" shouted someone in the stands. But Mitchell wasn't finished. "And, I think," she said, her eyes sparkling, "we should declare the United States (Canada's) 11th province."

The RCGS ceremony finished with heartfelt applause and was followed by cocktails (including a Joni Mitchell favourite, the Cadillac Margarita) and appetizers before a delicious dinner under a nearby white tent.

Born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943 in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Mitchell grew up in Saskatoon (which she considers her hometown) and moved to Calgary, where she was a regular "hootenanny" or open mic performer at The Depression Coffee House. She spent time in Toronto and New York before making California her permanent home in the mid 60s.

Her album Blue reached #1 on the iTunes chart in 2021, 50 years after it was released and a testimony to the timelessness of her music. The album is currently ranked #3 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of all time. The music magazine has also named Mitchell as "one of the greatest songwriters ever."

Mitchell was the first woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1981) and the first woman to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2007). She was also awarded Canada's highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order of Canada (2002).

The event was meaningful for many in attendance. "I told Joni tonight that I grew up with her music and that she was part of my soul. She smiled so generously," said RCGS Fellow Katherine Smalley, clearly touched by the exchange. "It was a magical evening and a delight to be with her in the mystical landscape she calls home."

Also a Fellow, filmmaker Dianne Whelan said Mitchell's "music and her paintings are grounded as true expressions of herself. She is a beacon and a guiding light." Whelan's film 500 Days in the Wild features a soundtrack with the Joni Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi.

And, according to Campo, Mitchell is recognized as a matriarch by the Shíshálh community. "When I was invited, it was really important to come and thank her for her life's work. We as Shíshálh people appreciate her supporting the community, the land and our work. She has supported events related to residential schools. That will not be forgotten," said Campo. "In our culture, when you attend an event as a guest, you're also there as a witness," she continued, adding that it's now her job to share Ms. Mitchell's story with the next generation and help keep her legacy alive.

At sundown - as a warm breeze blew and music by Joni Mitchell floated through the air - the evening started to wind down. Given how this extraordinary night unfolded, those who took part bonded over a shared experience. Together, on our country's 158th birthday in an enchanting wildflower-filled rainforest rippling with birdsong, they showed up for Canada's Joni Mitchell - a resilient woman who continues to inspire others and decorate her own life.