(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation representatives Russ Roy, Michael Morgan, Beverly Lambert, and President Keith Henry attended the funeral for their team member Harold Morin in Prince George over the weekend. The weekend included a memorial gathering at the Friendship Center on Friday evening and funeral service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Saturday. The family arranged a traditional First Nations (Wet’suwet’en) ceremony after the service on Saturday because of Harold’s strong connection with the Wet’suwet’en community of Moricetown. The funeral service was attended by an estimated 700 friends and family members. The service was standing room only and the eulogy provided by Harold’s brother Jules was a testament to the love and support Harold had within his large family. This followed by a traditional feast where Harold’s family connected with a clan from the Wet’suwet’en Nation performed a cultural ceremony to support the family raise funds to offset the costs of the funeral for Harold.

BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “I am so honored in the manner in which so many of Harold’s family and friends paid their final respects. Harold was well loved and will be missed by so many. The combination of First Nations and Métis culture was inspiring and this was always so important to Harold.”

President Henry further added, “The BC Métis Federation supported Harold’s family remember the major contributions to the Métis Nation that Harold made over the years. The BC Métis Federation presented Harold’s oldest son a symbolic Order of the Sash, we made a financial contribution raised from donations over $1500.00, developed a Harold Morin tribute video that has already been watched over 800 times in only 5 days, presented Harold’s BC Métis Federation membership card to his partner Tracey, and other gestures of our care for our fallen warrior.”

President Henry further added, “I felt so humble as his oldest son Troy acknowledged our work at the BC Métis Federation to honour his father. Despite my close relationship with Harold, there was so much more that I did not know about his family and incredible connections with First Nations communities over the years.”

President Henry concluded, “A First Nation elder spoke and reminded all of us to remember what Harold lived for, that we need to remember to honour his life and the vision he had. I know many of us will not let his vision of a better Métis world be forgotten. Thank you so much to Harold’s brothers, sisters, children, and mother for allowing the BC Métis Federation to share this weekend with all of you. Having the BC Métis Federation flag with Harold was important to Harold and we know he will be with us all forever. Rest in peace our Métis warrior and you were remembered so well by so many.”

Downloads:

[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-February-5th-2012.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF Press Release February 5th, 2012[/ilink]
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/Harold-Morin-Funeral-Program.pdf” style=”download”]Harold Morin Funeral Program[/ilink]

Media Inquiries:

Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation

#300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on Twitter @keithhenryMetis