Perry and Wendy Vermette are joined on stage by MN-S President Glen McCallum. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community leaders

Métis community leaders recognized for their service

Feb 28, 2023 | 5:23 PM

Perry Vermette, Owner of Vermette Wood Products, jokes when he was first received notice he was receiving a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, his first instinct as someone who shys away from public attention was to turn it down.

Fortunately Vermette’s wife Wendy was able to talk some sense into him, and as a result, they were both among 24 Métis individuals recognized during a special ceremony Tuesday afternoon at Prince Albert’s E.A. Rawlinson Centre.

“She said ‘well you know think about it, how many people walk up to us on the street and say hey boss, thank you for the help,'” he explained. “She said maybe it’s time you let people say thank you.”

The medal, which began as a celebration of her late majesty’s 70 years on the throne, continues as a tribute and honours citizens who have made significant contributions to their community, to the province, and to Canada.

In July, Vermette Wood Products will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Perry Vermette, who took over ownership in 2005, currently has hundreds of employees and told the crowd in attendance Tuesday he takes great pride in hiring people who are looking for a second or third chance.

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“If I were to always go for what may be considered the better employee, I think I’d be selling myself short because given an opportunity, I’ve got guys who have been with me for years,” he explained.

MN-S President Glen McCallum. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum was also present for Tuesday’s ceremony and during his opening remarks, explained giving out the medals isn’t enough, it’s more important to tell the stories behind them.

“To hear the stories of the different people involved in education, health, or whatever the case may be,” he said. “It’s important that we gather and recognize the individuals here today and what they’ve done.”

McCallum also explained the medal is a good medal because it formally recognizes the role Métis people have played in shaping the province and the country.

Doreen Egeland, 94, shares a story during her medal presentation. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert’s Dean Smith receives a medal for protective services and contributions to the arts. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Also among the recipients was Prince Albert Police Police Officer Dean Smith, who shared with paNOW it’s very humbling to receive an award such as this.

“After 17 years with policing, and still policing in Prince Albert, it’s a challenging career so this is something that makes you feel very proud to accept like this,” he said.

Smith, who is also a very talented fiddle player, shared family is very important to Métis people and he brings that knowledge with him to work.

“Our traditions are strong so we know how people are on the home front, so when we are dealing with a family situation, it helps quite a bit,” he said.

A full list of Tuesday’s recipients. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In total, over 7,000 medals are being handed out across the province and a number of ceremonies have been held in recent weeks.

Among the more recipients from the Prince Albert area are Janine Favreau, owner of Nutter’s in Prince Albert, and Wayne Mesenchuk, who is known for his work with the Prince Albert Titans.

Mesenchuck received his medal on Feb. 8, as part of the Ministry of Labour and Relations Workplace Safety presentation.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell