SOVEREIGN’S MEDAL
Jaime Battiste honoured at Government House on Thursday for work in his community
Jaime Battiste honoured for volunteer work.
An Eskasoni man received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Lieutenant Governor in Halifax on Thursday for his constant work to preserve Mi’kmaq history and heritage.
Jaime Battiste, a Potolek band member who currently works for the Mi’kmaw Kinamatnewey as treaty education lead for Nova Scotia, was recognized for his volunteer efforts to advance and educate others about Mi’kmaq law and treaty rights by Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc during a ceremony at Government House.
Battiste has volunteered as legal adviser to the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and is an active volunteer with athletics, youth advocacy, and fundraising.
He was also instrumental in developing the Treaty Education MOU between the Province of Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in 2015. He also was involved with the negotiation for the pardon of the late Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy in 2017.
Battiste said he was surprised and grateful to receive the award, and has always tried to use his talents to better his community.
“I learned at a very young age — from my mother and father — that whatever gifts you’re given in life, you have a responsibility to share those gifts and to continue to be a positive influence in your community and surrounding area,” said Battiste, who added that receiving the award on Thursday was an honour.
“I was very humbled to get the award. I’m from the community
of Eskasoni where there’s a lot of volunteers that could have been recognized. There’s so many people that step up when necessary and to help out in our community. It’s just an amazing place to live,” said Battiste.
Battiste’s volunteer efforts include several fundraisers in his community, from playing guitar in his band or being involved with a local hockey team that helped raise over $40,000 for a
community fund.
Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc said Battiste was a fitting winner of the award because of his volunteer efforts and that he is a role model for other people.
“It is a great pleasure and honour to recognize Mr. Battiste with this medal for his exceptional efforts to promote and preserve this very important aspect of Nova Scotia’s history, heritage and culture,
his voluntary efforts set a fine example for others,” said LeBlanc.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers — established in 2016 — recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.