Senate medals honor many walks of life

Canada’s 150th birthday was marked during 2017 by a variety of events and celebrations in all parts of the country — old time fairs, tourist destinations, infrastructure updates, commemorative stamps and even medal presentations.

The Canadian Senate’s 150th anniversary was acknowledged with a special medal created to be received by citizens/organizations who were deemed to have made significant contributions to their communities and their country.

The Senate of Canada 150 Medal celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first sitting of the Senate on Nov. 6, 1867. Each of the three Saskatchewan senators — Denise Batters, Pamela Wallin and David Tkachuk —received nominations and presided over presentations in the Senate Chambers and in Regina and Saskatoon.

One of the recipients from Senator Batters was Dr. Grant Devine who was raised in the Lake Valley area and served as Saskatchewan premier from 1982-91. Devine is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta and Ohio State University and has experience as an economist, teacher and farmer. He was instrumental in spearheading the construction of the agriculture building at the U of S and in July was appointed to the univer- sity’s board of governors.

On Senator Wallin’s list was the RCAF’s iconic aerobatic team, the Snowbirds of 15 Wing who she said hone their skills in the skies over Moose Jaw. “They inspire young and old alike and are among Canada’s foremost ambassadors to the world.”

The Snowbirds’ commanding officer, Lt.-Col. Mike French, she said, represents Snowbirds, past and present. Moose Jaw artist Yvette Moore was nominated by MP Tom Lukiwski, with the medal awarded by Senator Thachuk. She was lauded for her artistry which is “beautiful and evocative” of her Saskatchewan home. She recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of her paintings in the book, A Prairie Alphabet.

The late Kenny Shields, whose band Streetheart, played many times in Moose Jaw locations, was honoured posthumously by Senator Tkachuk in recognition of Shields’ musicianship and devotion to the province.

James Pattison, with personal and family ties to Moose Jaw, was acknowledged by Senator Wallin for his business acumen and philanthropy and for his large donation towards the construction of the Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net