Morris earns Queen’s medal

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris has been awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The medal was presented by Kenora MPP Sarah Campbell during the KI homecoming event on Aug. 8.
Campbell called Morris a “true leader,” and said the medal was a “small vindication” for the efforts Morris and other members of KI put in to oppose mining on the First Nation’s traditional territory.
“This medal may not be the apology you deserve, but it is a way for me to say, on behalf of the Queen and on behalf of all of those who look to you for leadership, to say thank you,” Campbell said. “Thank you for being a leader for your community and thank you for inspiring others with your actions.”
Morris and five other KI members, who became known as the KI 6, were jailed for three months for opposing a mining company’s advances on KI’s traditional territory in 2008.
Their efforts to block Platinex from exploring on traditional lands were eventually supported by the courts.
Earlier this year Morris also led a fight against God’s Lake Resources, a gold mining company that wanted to explore on KI lands. Morris won that fight too, eventually getting a concession from the Ontario government that over 23,000 square kilometers near the community would be withdrawn from mining exploration.
While presenting the medal, Campbell said that KI’s efforts have inspired others across the province to stand up for what they believe in.
“Chief Morris is a true leader,” Campbell said. “His actions speak louder than his words. When presented with a chance to stand up for his community he answered the call.”
The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne, as a way of thanking those who have inspired their communities through leadership and public service.