MNO Grand River Métis Council honours Métis veteran
On November 4, 2017, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Grand River Métis Council (GRMC) held a special celebration to honour Bernard Pépin, a community hero. MNO citizen and veteran Pépin served two extended terms with the Canadian military totaling twenty-six years of service. He is also a skilled and award-winning sharpshooter who competes at provincial and national levels. The MNO GRMC decided that a community celebration was the best way to fete this community hero so they arranged to present him with his Louis Riel medal and certificate that recognize his outstanding military service to Canada during the celebration. Pépin attended with his wife Ella. MNO GRMC President Jennifer Parkinson pinned the Louis Riel medal on Pépin and presented him with his certificate. MNO GRMC Senator Carol Lévis gifted Pépin with a Region 9 sash on behalf of MNO GRMC. The celebration also featured Métis fiddler Alicia Blore who provided some excellent jigging music and three kinds of delicious homemade soups were made using the produce from the MNO GRMC community garden. The celebration meal also included bannock, friend bread, salad and bountiful desserts. All in all, a great way to recognize the service of a Métis veteran.