Winnipeg, MB – May 22, 2025 – In a poignant ceremony resonant with sorrow and profound respect, the Manitoba Legislature bore witness yesterday to the posthumous presentation of the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal. The honour was bestowed upon the parents of Austin Lathlin-Bercier, a valiant young man from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, known also as Running Grey Wolf, who laid down his life in Ukraine’s defense.
The gathering on Wednesday, May 21, saw Austin’s mother, Lucy Bercier, and his father, Adam, accept the medal, a tangible symbol of their son’s extraordinary courage and the deep solidarity between Canada and a nation under siege. At 25, Austin Lathlin-Bercier’s journey from his homeland to the front lines of Ukraine, where he fell in November 2023, was a testament to a spirit undeterred by peril in the pursuit of justice.
Known for his protective nature and a deep-seated desire to shield the vulnerable, Austin was profoundly moved by the unfolding humanitarian crisis following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Compelled by images of suffering and a fervent conviction to act against tyranny, he made the resolute decision to join the International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine. This newly formed battalion had extended a global call for volunteers, and Austin, drawing upon his inner strength and perhaps formative experiences such as the Canadian Armed Forces’ Bold Eagle program for Indigenous youth, answered that call, determined to contribute to the fight for Ukrainian freedom and the protection of innocent lives, particularly women and children.
Premier Wab Kinew addressed the assembly with a letter expressing the province’s admiration. “Austin Lathlin-Bercier embodied a rare fortitude and an unwavering commitment to principles that know no borders,” he conveyed. “A cherished son of Manitoba and the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, his journey to defend the vulnerable was an act of profound conviction. His ultimate price for liberty will forever serve as an inspiration.”
Representatives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Ukrainian War Veterans Association of Canada (UWVA), the medal’s stewards, articulated the Ukrainian Canadian community’s immense gratitude. “This medal signifies not just exceptional bravery, but a profound act of allegiance with the Ukrainian people during their darkest hour,” stated Joan Lewandosky, President of the UCC Manitoba Provincial Council. Taras Jackiw, Chair of the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal Committee, added, “The name of Austin Lathlin-Bercier, and all who have demonstrated such heroism, will be revered in the annals of both our nations.”
Bishop Andriy Rabiy of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg delivered poignant closing remarks, reflecting on the profound tragedy of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that the conflict transcends a mere geopolitical struggle, representing instead a fundamental stand against tyranny and an unwavering commitment to truth, dignity and justice. Bishop Rabiy affirmed that Austin Lathlin-Bercier’s courageous actions unequivocally embodied this spirit. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Austin’s parents, Lucy and Adam, “for nurturing a soul so courageous, so compassionate, that it reached from the heart of Opaskwayak Cree Nation to shield the embattled in Ukraine.”
The quiet dignity of the occasion, marked by both sorrow and pride, served as a powerful homage to a young man whose convictions bridged continents. Austin Lathlin-Bercier’s actions have left an indelible mark of valour and unity in the collective memory of a grateful province and, indeed, a nation grappling with the echoes of a distant war brought home by the sacrifice of one of its own.
