Also deserving recognition
Congratulations to Viola Desmond for appearing on the $10 bill. Now it’s time to recognize the struggle of Dick Patrick against discrimination.
From the Saik’uz First Nation, Patrick joined the Canadian Army in the Second World War and was later awarded a medal for bravery by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. Returning home, Patrick entered a restaurant in Vanderhoof in 1946 and politely tried to order a meal. Told they didn’t serve Indians, Patrick was arrested and sent to Oakalla prison for disturbing the peace.
Undaunted, Patrick served his sentence and returned to the restaurant a further 10 times, arrested and returned to Oakalla each time. As an Indigenous person, I can’t tell you how proud I am of Patrick’s sacrifice and perseverance, that he wouldn’t condone Canada’s ill treatment of First Nations. Bob Burgel, Surrey