Two Canadians recognized for heroism fighting for Ukraine

OUTLOOK — A pair of Canadians who lost their lives defending Ukraine are being honoured by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ukrainian War Veterans Association of Canada.

Austin Lathlin-Bercier and Winton “Bud” Hardy have been awarded the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal, which recognizes Canadian citizens who were killed or wounded while serving with Ukraine’s Armed Forces in its defence against Russia’s invasion.

Lathlin-Bercier, a 25-year-old member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Manitoba, volunteered for Ukraine’s International Legion in 2022. He was killed in November 2023 while fighting to defend the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk Oblast.

Hardy, 41, from Outlook, volunteered as a combat medic supporting Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. He was killed in action in Donetsk Oblast in June 2024.

“Our community is deeply grateful to Canadians who joined Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The debt we owe them can never be repaid,” said Taras Jackiw, Chair of the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal Committee.

“It is an honour for our community to bestow the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal to these courageous heroes. Let us ensure that their sacrifice is forever remembered. May Their Memory Be Eternal. Вічная Пам’ять.”

The Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal was established in 2022 by a resolution of the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians. It is awarded to those who have been killed or injured in action while defending Ukraine’s freedom.

Local Ukrainian communities and representatives of the UCC and UWVA will present the medals to the families of Lathlin-Bercier and Hardy during ceremonies held in their home communities.