Medallion honours role models of peace

By Travis Mealing  Midland Mirror
MIDLAND – A Midland social activist and three women who helped stop a controversial Tiny Township landfill received the YMCA Peace Medallion last week in recognition of their efforts.
“I’m both honoured and quite humbled,” Gord McKay said after receiving the award Nov. 26 in front of dozens of people gathered at the YMCA Employment Resource Centre.
Vicki Monague, Shelley Essaunce and Elizabeth Brass Elson all belong to Anishinabe Kweag, the group of women that initiated and maintained a peaceful vigil adjacent to the County of Simcoe’s Site 41 landfill this summer.
Neither Monague nor Essaunce could attend last week’s ceremony. Brass Elson spoke for the group and expressed her gratitude to the YMCA and to those who stood by their side during the 137-day protest.
“I’d like to thank everyone that came out and supported us all this summer,” she said. “All the great work we did, and positive thinking and united minds – this is what happens.”
The YMCA Peace Medallion recognizes individuals who have made special contributions to building stronger, more peaceful communities.
Martina Wahl, a team leader at the Midland YMCA Employment Resource Centre, emphasized and praised the peaceful nature of the Anishinabe Kweag protest.
“Weapons, drugs and alcohol were expressly forbidden at the camp,” she said. “Those who offered to come to show support through force were turned away.
“Even when some protesters were arrested for blockading the gates, respectful and cordial relationships (with police) continued.”
Wahl marvelled at how these “few thoughtful women” inspired an outpouring of political advocacy without ever resorting to violence or intimidation to express their viewpoint.
McKay, meanwhile, was lauded for his leadership of the Out of the Cold program, which provides shelter every winter to homeless people in Midland.
His role as founder and chair of the Huronia Foundation for the Arts was also cited, as was his guidance of the environmental advocacy group Zero Waste Simcoe.
“Gord is spending a big part of his time improving the situation of the marginalized, helping to create a more beautiful environment for all, and addressing environmental issues,” said Wahl. “His approach to each and every one of those initiatives has the hallmark of collaboration and forward thinking.
“He has touched the lives of many through his actions.”
McKay, who also serves on Midland council, deflected the applause to his fellow volunteers on each of the projects in which he is involved.
“It’s not so much that I do it; it’s groups of people,” he said, also taking a moment to thank his wife for “putting up with” his involvement in so many community initiatives.
Also on hand for the ceremony was Jack Kinch, vice-president of leadership training and community development for the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
Alluding to the World Alliance of YMCAs’ 1981 statement of peace, he said, “We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us, even those who differ from us. The responsibility for peace begins with each person.”
Since that statement was ratified 28 years ago, YMCAs around the world have recognized a day of peace; in Canada, YMCAs celebrate an entire week devoted to promoting the concept, including awarding the peace medallions.