Rankin-raised Theodore Syrette will receive the 2018 Sault Ste. Marie YMCA Peace Medal on Friday, Nov. 30, city councillors learned Monday.
Syrette will be recognized as "a fierce advocate for both the rights of indigenous people and 2SLGBTQ+," Joel Rowswell, chair of the local YMCA board of directors, announced during a presentation to City Council about YMCA Peace Week, Nov. 17-24.
Each year during Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present peace medals to individuals or groups who, "without any special resources, status, wealth or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of peace through contributions made within their local, national or global community."
Here's how the Y defines peace:
- participation
- empathy
- advocacy
- community
- empowerment
This year's Peace Week focus will be on reconciliation with indigenous peoples and communities in Canada.
Syrette's medal will be presented Nov. 30 at a Breakfast for Peace event at the Marconi Cultural Centre and Banquet Hall, with assistance from the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore.
Keynote speaker will be Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation.