Photo description:

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ukrainian War Veterans Assocation of Canada presented the Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal posthumously to the family of fallen hero Austin Lathlin-Bercier during a ceremony in the rotunda at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Pictured: Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Manitoba Provincial Council President Joanne Lewandosky (second from far left) presents a shawl to Lucy Lathlin (second from far right) who is Austin's mother while Adam Bercier who is Austin's father looks on. Also pictured is Ukrainian Canadian Sacrifice Medal Committee Chairperson Taras Jackiw (left). On Nov. 11, 2023, 25-year-old Austin Lathlin-Bercier, who was from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, was the first Manitoban known to be killed in combat in Ukraine while he was volunteering for Ukraine's International Legion.