By Joseph Paquette, President of the MNO Veterans Council
(Left to right – standing) PCMNO Region 9 Councilor Peter Rivers,
MNO Windsor-Essex Métis Council members Jonathan Rochon,
Senator Bob Leboeuf, Essex, Andrew Good, Sue Morencey and
Donna Grayer (Sitting) Métis Veteran Wilfred Rochon
On January 9, 2013, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Windsor-Essex Métis Council held ceremonies at their local Métis office to present the Louis Riel medal and Certificate to Métis World War II veteran and Council member Wilfred Rochon. Mr. Eddie Francis, Mayor of Windsor, issued a beautiful letter saluting Wilfred as an honoured citizen and worthy representative of his Métis heritage. The letter was read at the ceremony by Windsor City Councillor Ron Jones and said in part:
“Mr. Rochon, you have demonstrated decades of patriotic and community-minded involvement, from serving in the Armed Forces of Canada in the Second World War to your enthusiastic involvement in the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and your pivotal roles in founding the Windsor Métis Council and your founding of the Windsor-Essex Métis Council.
Throughout your life, prior to and including your Canadian Army duties from 1944 to 1946, to the example you set for your family and friends, along with the labour movement and our community in general, you have demonstrated a deep concern for others and a heartening pride in your heritage.”
The Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Councils thanks the MNO Windsor-Essex Métis Council as well as the Mayor Francis and Councillor Jones for supporting Métis veterans.