On Thursday November 23, 2023, the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division’s Niitsitapi First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Facilitator at Father Leonard Van Tighem School and St. Joseph School in Coaldale, Kendrick Fox (Naato’ipksi) from the Blood Tribe, was honoured with a “Quilt of Valour”. Kendrick was nominated by Retired Warrant Officer and military historian Glenn Miller and received the Quilt of Valour at the Lethbridge Royal Canadian Legion. Kendrick was one of 12 veterans to receive a Quilt of Valour on November 23, 2023.
Quilts of Valour Canada is a volunteer run charity society that ensures all Canadian military members, past and present who are ill or injured as a result of their service and sacrifice to our country, are recognized and honoured with a Quilt of Valour. Since 2009, the QOV presented more than 23,000 handmade quilts to veterans across Canada.
Prior to his time as an FNMI Facilitator with the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, Kendrick served as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces from 2000 to 2003. He served a tour in Afghanistan from March 7, 2001, to July 28, 2001, before being released from duty on November 24, 2003.
Kendrick received his Quilt of Valour, which took over 40 hours to make and included images of the White Buffalo, in front of his friends, family and fellow veterans. During the ceremony, his friend and Blackfoot Elder, Newton Bull Shields, sang a traditional Honour song. Kendrick said it was a blessing to receive the Quilt of Valour in front of his family, peers and loved ones.
“It’s very humbling and honouring. It’s been 20 years this November since I’ve gotten out of the military so to receive this so many years later brings back some memories, both the good and the bad,” Kendrick said.
“It was something that was really important in my life to be able to serve my country, but at such a young age it shaped how I dealt with anything in life afterwards. It gave me courage and strength and purpose. Receiving this is surreal, I still haven’t really processed what it means to me between the good, the bad and the mental healing from war, but I’m so lucky to have such an amazing family who have helped me through everything and are here with me today.”
The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division would like to thank you for your service and congratulate you on receiving the Quilt of Valour. We are blessed to have you as part of our team and look forward to seeing you continue all the incredible work that you’re doing as a member of our FNMI team and Holy Spirit family.