NCN’s Ralph McLean, Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal

Tansi Nitotimak!

Chief and Council, on behalf of NCN staff, management and Citizens would like to congratulate NCN’s Ralph McLean, Awarded Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal

On June 21, 2023, at a ceremony for Mixed Honours Investiture Ralph was among the list of recipients. The Meritorious Service Decorations recognize great Canadians for exceptional deeds accomplished that bring honour to our country. They honour achievements in both military and civil divisions. The Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) were established to recognize remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts.

Ralph McLean, M.S.M. from The Pas, Manitoba is a Citizen of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. For more than two decades, Ralph McLean has been dedicated to commemorating soldiers killed in war and peacekeeping missions. His self-funded Canadian and international travels have allowed him to identify unmarked war graves, which has helped expand the documentation of British Commonwealth military history. He has also ensured the required maintenance of graves, corrected personal information on thousands of memorial inscriptions, and submitted more than 200,000 photographic records to various databases, including the South Africa War Graves Project, which he created.

We celebrate the contributions of trailblazers who enrich the lives of others and make a difference. Ralph’s passion inspires us, teaches us and shows us the way forward. We are proud of your achievements Ralph!

Kininaskomitin! Kisahkihitin!

~ Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief and Council