Peterborough — Last Friday, Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act has received Royal Assent.
On April 25, 2024, Ontario’s 30th Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Edith Dumont granted royal assent to Bill 31, Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act.
In the First and Second World Wars, it is estimated that more than 7,000 First Nations individuals volunteered to serve. For many who served continuously, their rights were stripped for time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.
This bill will create an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. Ontario’s 288 active Canadian Cadet Corps and Squadrons will select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the previous year for a new award from the province of Ontario, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.
“Murray Whetung was a prominent figure in our community. He bravely volunteered to serve in the Second World War and devoted his life to family and community service,” stated Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This legislation not only honors one individual’s life but also aims to educate others about the challenges First Nations veterans encountered while risking their lives in service to Canada,” added MPP Smith.
The upcoming steps involve holding consultations with First Nation communities across the province to design a graphic that will symbolize Indigenous Veterans for the award.
The consultations with First Nation communities will play a crucial role in creating a meaningful and respectful graphic that truly captures the essence of Indigenous Veterans. By engaging in open and collaborative discussions, we aim to incorporate diverse perspectives and honor the unique experiences and contributions of Indigenous service members.
It is our intent that through this award the spirit of service to one’s community despite adversity as exemplified by the life of Murray Whetung will be an inspiration for our youth.
