The last two days have been busy ones for the MP of the Kenora Riding.
Greg Rickford was in Sioux Lookout and Ignace yesterday to present Diamond Jubilee medals to a number of residents.
The nine recipients from Sioux Lookout are:
Robert Bruyere for over 30 years of dedication to develop education and training opportunities for area First Nation residents, including the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) and the Aboriginal Aviations Career program
John Cole Sr., a Royal Canadian Air Force Navigator in WWII, for his service in numerous clubs and charities, including President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, and a founding chair of the Sioux Lookout Branch Canadian Cancer Society
Harvey Friesen for his enormous impact in the community through his fundraising efforts for the new Meno Ya Win Health Centre, his annual sponsorships, serving as President of the Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce, numerous roles on the Sioux Lookout Minor Hockey League, major sponsor of the Blueberry Festival, and serves as a partner in Hope Air
Christine Hoey for over 30 years of volunteer work on numerous committees and boards, which include the Sioux Lookout Economic Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Blueberry Festival, Northern Ontario Medical School Local Committee and the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee
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Matthew Kakekaspan, who was first elected Chief of Fort Severn Cree Nation at the age of 22, for his dedication for the past 30 years making education and entrepreneurship his top priorities in his community through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Tikinagan Child and Family Services, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and Keewaytinook Okimakanak
William Koval, a pioneer of the north, for his work in building the road north of Pickle Lake to open the Portages to connect Weagamow Lake to the gravel road for traffic in the winter of 1938. He and his family were the first to freight goods into the far north, were instrumental in the building of the Pickle Lake airport and was famous for his historical story telling. His oldest grandson, Shane Byrne, accepted the award on his behalf along with Williams’ widow Ramona and family
Major Knowles McGill, a 27-year veteran of the Canadian Forces, for his role in the community has past Chair and present Director of the Meno Ya Win Hospital Board, 20 years as a Rotarian, 25-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and long-term member of the Ontario Hospital Association Board. He also represented Canada at the 1968 Winter Olympics as a biathlete
Chief Ed Machimity of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen for his work in establishing a new Band and having it recognized by Canada and the direct Treaty relationship his community has with her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, a highly symbolic and significant relationship for the community
Charron Sippola for her unwavering dedication to many groups and events such as the Blueberry Festival, the Sioux Lookout Library, the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxillary, Kenora Patricia Child and Family Services and the Seniors Centre
The lone recipient from Ignace was Dot Defo who is recognized for her fight for women’s and workers rights, being the first female mayor of Ignace, a founding member of many clubs and organizations including the Library Board and the Recreation Board and serving as leader of the Red Had Ladies Club.
