Governor General Mary Simon presents Gerald Morin with the Order of Canada. (submitted photo/Office of the Secretary to the Governor General)

By Derek Craddock

CANADA'S HIGHEST HONOUR

Sask. judge receives Order of Canada on National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2023 | 5:00 PM

On a day that recognized Canada’s Indigenous peoples, one Prince Albert man was honoured for his contributions to Saskatchewan’s justice system.

Former judge Gerald Morin officially received the Order of Canada at a ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Morin, a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, was recognized for creating the Saskatchewan Cree Court Circuit in 2001. He is also a revered mentor among Indigenous judges and lawyers who helped create the Wunusweh lecture on Indigenous law series at the University of Saskatchewan.

(submitted photo/Office of the Secretary to the Governor General)

When Morin found out he’d be receiving the honour last November, he was left speechless, owning much of his success to those he’s worked with.

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“There’s lots of people in there including the clerks, the lawyers, the different people in government that help make things work in relation to making sure things work in Cree court,” he said.

Morin attended the ceremony along with over a dozen First Nations, Inuit and Métis people receiving the Order of Canada as well as the Meritorious Service Cross and Medal.

In her speech to the recipients at Rideau Hall, Governor General Mary Simon said she was honoured to recognize them on National Indigenous Peoples Day saying all Canadians share a commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Canadians.

“Increasingly, I see a greater openness by all Canadians to learn more about the realities faced by Indigenous peoples and to acknowledge the pain of the past,” she said. “I see younger generations eager to learn of the strength of Indigenous culture, languages, identity and family.”

“Because of you and others like you, there is a wider knowledge of the contributions Indigenous peoples have made to the arts, business, public service, volunteerism and so much more. In this way, we strengthen our nation.”

She concluded her speech by saying she believes one day she will see Canada become a better country rather than dreaming of it.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow