MNO Veterans Receive Special Awards at Remembrance Day Ambassador for Peace Banquet

MNO Veteran Donald Kennedy, MNO President Margaret Froh and MNO Veterans Council President Brian Prairie attend Remembrance Day Banquet
MNO Veteran Donald Kennedy, MNO President Margaret Froh and MNO Veterans Council President Brian Prairie attend Remembrance Day Banquet in Mississauga.

In recognition of the remarkable contributions of Canadian veterans, a special Remembrance Day Ambassador for Peace Banquet and awards ceremony took place in Mississauga on November 11.

Over 240 invited guests, including veterans, leaders and community members, attended this multi-cultural and commemorative event; bringing together veterans who have served in World War II, Afghanistan, the Korean War, any many other peace-keeping missions around the world. Attending on behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) were President Margaret Froh, MNO Veterans Council (MNOVC) President Brain Prairie, and MNO citizen Major (Ret’d) Don Kennedy.

Both Brian and Don were recognized at the event for their dedication and determination with special awards, including the Ambassador for Peace Appreciation Medal and, significantly, the Award of Excellence, signed by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

Historically, the Ambassador for Peace Appreciation Medal recognized Korean War veterans but has since extended to veterans serving organizations, such as the MNOVC, for their contributions on many fronts. This one-off commemorative medal was presented to 51 veterans, including both Brian and Don, by the Universal Peace Federation (United Nations NGO) in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement.

The two Métis veterans also received Awards of Excellence, personally signed by the Minister of Veterans Affairs. This high honour and certificate recognizes the inspiring achievements and advocacy work done by Brian and Don to advance the rights of Métis veterans in Canada.

“The Award of Excellence means a great deal to me, I am extremely proud” says Brian. “Its a real honour to be recognized by the people that run our Veterans Affairs and communities. It indicates we are seen and justifies and validates the work we do, so to be recognized at that level is something very special.”

The Remembrance Day Ambassador for Peace Banquet also featured speeches and remarks, including guest speaker Lisa Hepfner, MP, Committee Member of NATO. Addressing the veterans and their supporters, she expressed her gratitude for the sacrifices made by attending veterans, and those lost but remembered through their legacy. The ceremony also served as a multi-cultural celebration, including a banquet meal and musical entertainment from a collection of Canadian and Korean artists.

Speaking to the significance of the event, Brian reflected on the importance of visibility and recognition for Métis veterans, noting,

“It’s very fulfilling to know that your opinions and contributions are being paid attention to, [I believe] we’re seeing a change which is something very positive. 50% or more of the Indigenous peoples in the armed forces are Métis. We’re not silent anymore, we deserve our due and we want our recognition.”

While the two awards were an appreciated and proud moment for the MNO veterans, the real reward is the positive difference their work makes at the community level, and in the day to day lives of all Canadian and Indigenous veterans.

“We don’t do this work to get a medal, we do it for the community who we see as a brotherhood, as a family,” says Brian. “We share a similar focus, to pursue what is right and get our people what they deserve.”

The MNO extends its appreciation to our Métis veterans, and congratulates MNO veterans Brian Prairie and Don Kennedy on this well deserved recognition.