During Tuesday's Inspirational Gala, Sonny Vandale was presented with a beautiful handmade blanket. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

Local Elder and families recognized during Métis gala

Apr 1, 2026 | 5:23 PM

Two local families who have suffered tragedy, and an Elder who has been told he has only a few months left to live, received recognition during a special event in Prince Albert on Tuesday night. 

The fifth annual Metis Nation Saskatchewan Western Region II inspirational banquet was held at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. Among those to receive an honorary sash was the family of Jim Primeau – a former Prince Albert landlord who was left paralyzed after being shot in the neck and passed away in hospital ten months later. 

Director Sherry McLennan said Jim was a very proud, Métis man and after the incident happened, had his sash hanging in his hospital room. Jim’s sister, Heather, said the family appreciated the gesture. 

“He meant a lot to us and it was 287 days of pure hell. He was loved deeply and cared for deeply. He loved us as much as we loved him and we knew that.
We were very lucky,” she said. 

(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Local Elder and families recognized during Métis gala

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The family of Trevor Dubois was also honoured. Last January, he died at a Saskatoon hospital. The cause remains under investigation but according to police, the death happened after an altercation with security staff. 

McLennan who noted Trevor was her first staff member when she got elected. 

“He will always be in my heart,” she said, adding Trevor was also responsible for the idea of the inspirational banquet. 

“Because you know, some people get recognized and some people don’t, but we all have value and we all have something to give and it’s nice to be able to recognize those people and say, hey you’re doing something great in the community and we want to honour you.” 

The Dubois family. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Trevor’s mother Val accepted the sash. 

“I just want to thank Sherry. It’s been a long 71 days, still no answers.
I’m just waiting to hear from the lead investigators to see what’s going to happen and it’s been a long, long haul,” she said 

A third sash and certificate were presented to Sonny Vandale, along with a beautiful handmade blanket. He was visibly emotional when the blanket was wrapped around him. 

Acknowledging the Michif speaking elder from St. Louis may only have a few months left to live, McLennan said they wanted to celebrate him now and going forward at future gala events, there will be a special Sonny award in his honor. 

The exhibition centre was completely packed for the event and among the dignitaries in attendance were members of the RCMP, Marshalls Service and the Prince Albert Police Service. 

In total, over 40 certificates were presented to people from across the region recognizing their individual achievements. 

(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell