As Gary Vidal’s days as Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP draw to a close, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council recently took steps to ensure Vidal knows his legacy and the positive impact he has had on the nine MLTC bands will never be forgotten. Vidal was the special guest at a lunch held in his honour Monday (March 17) at the MLTC office just east of Meadow Lake. Also in attendance were tribal chief Jeremy Norman, MLTC Cree vice-chief Richard Derocher, MLTC Dene vice-chief Norma Catarat, former tribal chief Richard Gladue and MLTC Industrial Investments president and CEO Al Balisky.

“We want to acknowledge all the work you have done for the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, as well as Meadow Lake and area,” Norman told Vidal during the gathering. “You spoke with me before even running, and I knew you would do well in this role. Your track record with the city (as former mayor of Meadow Lake) and your track record of working with First Nations, and MLTC, we knew you would do well and it is sad to see you leaving this position. We know the sacrifice you made when it comes to your family. You being such a strong community person and strong family person, thank you for that sacrifice. A lot of people may not see that, but we see it as a team and we thank you for the work you have done.”

Vidal, who represents the Conservative Party, was first elected to Parliament Hill in 2019. He was re-elected in 2021 but, in April of last year, announced he would not seek re-election come the next federal vote due to the fact the electoral boundaries for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River would be shifting and because he does not anticipate his party would allow for an open nomination. “This is one of the most rewarding things about my almost six years as MP – the relationship we’ve been able to develop,” Vidal said. “Some of these relationships were pre-existing, but we’ve been able to strengthen them and really move toward trying to find good solutions, while advocating on their behalf. I would suggest this is simply a recognition of the fact I served with good intentions and with the right kind of motivation to make an effort on behalf of all people in the riding.” Following the recent swearing-in of new Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, a federal election is expected to be called in the very near future.

“It’s interesting because there will be a bit of a new dynamic with the changing boundaries,” Vidal said. “The people at MLTC will actually be represented by two MPs going forward. The five communities in the north will be represented by one MP and the four in the southern part of the current riding will be represented by another. Their representation will be split into two different ridings and maybe even two different parties because who knows how the election will go? My hope would be the folks at this table can have a positive relationship with those people, whoever they are, and can continue some of the advocacy work I would like to think we started… I’m incredibly appreciative for the positive relationship I’ve had the opportunity to have with these folks for the last six years.” Following lunch, MLTC representatives presented Vidal with a series of gifts including a travel mug, barbecue tools and an eagle feather. “

That is an authentic eagle feather,” Derocher told the MP. “The feather itself is bestowed upon people we highly regard… It is a blessed feather and probably is the highest honour we can give you. That is why chiefs wear headdresses with eagle feathers on them. It shows the regard their people have put them in, and this is the best we can do to honour you. In our teachings, this is the highest honour… We hope it goes well in your house.”