The Commission
The Métis Veterans Legacy Program is led by Métis Veteran Commissioners,
who are dedicated to honouring and improving the lives of their fellow Métis Veterans and their families.
Responsibilities of the Commission:
- Represent the MVLP at official events
- Make decisions on proposed Commemoration Program initiatives
- Hear the appeals of ineligible Recognition Payment applicants
- Develop the Independent National Métis Veterans Association
Commission Chair
John (Jack) Gordon Park
Jack was born and raised into Military life. His father served for 33 Years in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Cyprus Conflict, along with various locations across Canada.
Jack joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1976 serving in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia; Borden, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; and Petawawa, Ontario. It was highly uncommon to be posted to the most prestigious regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces right out of basic training, but Jack was selected to serve as a Supply Technician in the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton and Petawawa. He served for 3.5 years and finished his 5-year military Career in 1981 in Cold Lake, Alberta.
During his career, he traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he earned his American Parachutist Wings with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2012, Jack was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from the National Metis Veteran’s Association.
Jack is currently the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the Manitoba Métis Federation Cabinet, as well as the Chairman of Métis N4 Construction. Jack also sits as a Committee Member on the MMF Finance Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Executive Committee, and is the Vice Chairman of the Louis Riel Capital Corporation, along with his most recent appointment as Chairman of the Metis Veterans Legacy Program Commission. Jack is very proud to be serving in this position, as he now rejoins his retired Métis brothers (and sisters) in arms, working together to ensure that our Veterans rightfully receive their long-overdue appreciation and respect.
Jim Durocher
Jim Durocher is a Métis and Cree Elder. He is a nationally recognized advocate for Métis rights and has been a prominent authority and critic of government policies affecting Métis peoples. As a fluent Cree and Michif speaker, he has carried the core principles of traditional Métis culture and knowledge with him throughout his life’s work to ensure the advancement of the Métis nation.
His involvement in politics first started when he was elected to the Association of Métis and Non-Status Indians, where his success led to being elected as President of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, along with holding an interim position as President of the Métis National Council. Throughout Jim’s time in Métis governance, he has been a leading voice in negotiations with Canada to ensure that Métis people are recognized under federal and provincial laws, including Section 35 of the Constitution Act.
Jim currently serves as the President of the A La Baie Métis in Sakitawak territory, Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan.
Alex Maurice
Alex is a resident of Beauval, a small Métis community in Saskatchewan.
Alex served in the Infantry, completing several basic and advanced level courses within Canada, U.S.A., Australia, and Cyprus. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Corporal within 18 months of service, Master Corporal by his third year, and a Sergeant after six. Alex has trained soldiers in Wainwright, Alberta and Officer Cadets in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He is a qualified Paratrooper with the Canadian and American Jump Wings and has obtained his Ranger Tab.
He earned the silver, golden, and diamond jubilee (United Nations Peacekeeping Award) twice, and Centennial Medals for his service. He also received the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs Commendation pin after he left the military.
Alex is now a private consultant specializing in Indigenous Business/Financial Planning and Development and has held the position of First Nations Band Manager.
Harry Hope
Harry Hope was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He began his military career in 1953 where he was stationed in Calgary. He served in the Army in the Queen’s Own Rifles Infantry Regiment, with a tour in Seoul, South Korea.
Harry was proclaimed an Ambassador for Peace by the Republic of South Korea, for his service toward the restoration and preservation of South Korea’s freedom and democracy.
After his military career, Harry worked in telephone communications for 20 years. He has been involved in Métis politics and sat as Chairman of the board of the Kikino Métis Settlement. He resigned to work for the Provincial Government and was responsible for the eight Métis Settlements of Alberta.
Harry has 5 children and 10 grandchildren. He now lives on a farm where he raises cattle and horses on the Metis Settlement in Lac La Biche, Alberta.
