Judge Joe awarded posthumous Queen’s medal

The late Joe Morrison’s legacy was recently celebrated with the presentation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a new bursary — the Joseph Morrison Legacy Fund.
“The ceremony was very moving and the words that people had for him were very sincere,” said Sherry Moreau, chief executive officer of Oshki Aa-yaa’aag Mino Bimaadiziiwin (Good Life For Young Peoples), a non-profit corporation that aims to bring to life the dreams and aspirations of Aboriginal youth through confidence building and culturally-affirming activities.
“People spoke from their hearts and there were a lot of kind words spoken,” Moreau said. “People were very appreciative of his work and were glad that the family and (the Oshki Aa-yaa’aag Mino Bimaadiziiwin) organization were choosing to honour him in this way.”
Moreau said Morrison was honoured for his lifetime commitment to family, his community and the volunteer work he did with young people in the Treaty 3 area during the ceremony, which was held on Jan. 27 at the Lake of the Woods Museum in Kenora.
“Judge Joe served his country, and while that alone is a great deed, his service to his community was just as impressive,” said Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. “Joseph Morrison was a voice of healing and reconciliation, a leader in the friendship centre movement and someone who, despite his early challenges, rose through the ranks to become a respected Elder, leader and justice of the peace. He is someone who is remembered fondly by everyone who has encountered him.”
Campbell explained that she focused on choosing individuals for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal who had distinguished themselves, not for a single act of kindness or generosity, but for dedicating their lifetime to helping others. She also sought out people who had asked little if anything in return for their generosity, kindness and sacrifices.
“There were few candidates as deserving as Joseph Morrison,” Campbell said. “Joe grew up in a time of, not mincing words, of intolerance, of hostility. It is true that times are not always easy, but rather than succumb to those feelings, he conquered his fears, he conquered those urges and he lived a life that made him a true role model, not just for First Nations but for everyone living in northwestern Ontario and everyone who had the good fortune of meeting him.”
Moreau said the Joseph Morrison Legacy Fund is aimed at a deserving student who exemplifies the values, interests and dedication that Morrison held close to his heart.
“The family is going to be choosing the recipients in June and July of every year,” Moreau said, noting that justice, health, community development and military service are the priority fields of study. “It’s Ontario wide, so people can apply from all over Ontario.”
Recipients must be residents of Ontario from 16-30 years of age with a demonstrated financial need who are enrolled in a post-secondary education program.
Morrison, the first justice of the peace in Ontario to be sworn in with an eagle feather, in 1989, passed away on March 21, 2012 at the Ottawa Heart Institute. He served with the Queen’s Own Rifles from 1959-1962 in Calgary and Germany and worked at a number of positions, including bookkeeper, Native street patrol supervisor, Metis housing coordinator and executive director of friendship centres in Kenora and Fort Frances.
He was well known on the powwow trail as the keeper of Wakaapiness drum. In addition to helping with ceremonies, flag-raising and dancing with other Native veterans on the powwow trail, he also acted as an Elder for numerous groups and gatherings.