Mexican government honours Pitt Meadows woman for supporting migrant farm workers

Pitt Meadows resident Thelma Rodriguez has received the Mexican government’s 2026 Ohtli Recognition for advocating for and supporting migrant farm workers. She accepted the award at a formal ceremony at the Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver on the evening of Monday, Sept. 14.

Mexico’s government said the recognition honours Rodriguez’s years of altruistic work on behalf of its temporary migrant agricultural workers in British Columbia. Mexican ambassador to Canada Carlos Joaquín González presented the award, while Consul General Julián Ádem Díaz de León presided over the ceremony.

Rodriguez said she was deeply grateful and that the achievement belonged first to the women and men working in the countryside, whose daily efforts motivate her to continue the work. The recognition cited more than a decade of dedication to agricultural workers in her community, including organizing essentials, providing personal support and helping ensure workers are treated with dignity and care.

The Ohtli Award is one of Mexico’s highest honours for people, often of Mexican origin, who have devoted their lives to supporting and empowering Mexican communities abroad. It is awarded annually by Mexico’s secretariat of foreign affairs through embassies and consulates, and includes a medallion, silver rosette and diploma. Ohtli means “path,” symbolizing the opening of pathways for others.

It is the third recognition for Rodriguez’s work. British Columbia awarded her a Medal of Good Citizenship in 2024, noting her help with migrant workers’ food, clothing, shoes and suitcases, as well as translation, medical appointments and bicycles for commuting. The City of Pitt Meadows gave her a Good Neighbour Award in 2021 for her dedication to helping people in the community.