Northern Manitoba First Nation says member has died in Ukraine
A northern Manitoba man who went to fight alongside the Ukrainian army has died, the chief of Opaskwayak Cree Nation said Tuesday.
Austin Lathlin-Bercier went to join the Ukrainian army's battle against invading Russian forces soon after the war broke out last year and his family was told of his death this week, Chief Maureen Brown said.
"Austin saw what was happening in Ukraine and was very moved by the situation for the families, the children, the women, and that motivated him to set aside his apprehension," Brown said Tuesday in a phone interview.
- Complete coverage of the war in Ukraine
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Lathlin-Bercier had training with the Canadian Armed Forces in its Cadet and Bold Eagle program, which combines Indigenous teachings and military training, said Brown.
He was compassionate and caring, the chief added.
"His death has impacted our community in a way that has caused each and every one to reflect on our contributions to build a more equitable and just society."
There was no immediate word on the cause of death. Global Affairs Canada confirmed Tuesday that a Canadian had died in Ukraine but did not provide a name.
"Global Affairs Canada is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Ukraine. Our hearts are with their family and loved ones during this very difficult time," a written statement from the department read.
"Canadian officials are in contact with local authorities for more information and consular officials are providing consular assistance to the family. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed."
Lathlin-Bercier's mother said the family's hearts were broken.
"This honestly doesn't feel real. I cry (because) I miss your laugh, your smile and even the words 'mom can you make me something to eat,"' she wrote in a social media post.
"I will always and forever have you in my heart, my son."
Lathlin-Bercier had earlier left Opaskwayak Cree Nation to teach English in Peru. He then went to Italy and Romania, where he learned of the war erupting in Ukraine, Brown said.
Flags in the community have been lowered and residents are planning a service to honour Lathlin-Bercier at a later date.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.