Anyone who knows Paul Hawman wasn't surprised to hear that he would be receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. What is surprising is that anyone other than the person who nominated him, and his immediate family, became aware that it had happened at all. You can be sure that if Hawman was handing out the invitations, they wouldn't have been printed! He is as unassuming as he is involved and never been one to blow his own horn. Case in point, when the presentation was made by Churchill riding NDP MP Niki Ashton Dec. 17, Hawman laid credit at everyone's feet, but his own.
Hawman was nominated for his community service and the work he has done preserving the community's history through the Snow Lake Mining Museum
Prior to the presentation in Snow Lake's council chambers, Ashton noted that the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is given to people from across the country who contribute to their community and make all of our lives better. "For me, as the MP for Churchill, it is especially important to recognize the people who offer tireless commitment to our communities here in the North," she said. "Whether that is a commitment to young people, a commitment to working with seniors I think the highest level of commitment is really making sure that the story of our community and the stories of our communities are kept alive and shared with the next generation. That the voices of those who have built our communities are represented long after they are gone."
Ashton further stated that she was impressed visiting the museum several months back during provincial Mining Week that it not only paid tribute to the community, but also to the history of mining. She added that she was amazed with the work that Hawman and the museum team have done to lay out viewing areas and put the museum's exhibits together.
"It is a one of a kind museum with the tribute, particularly to mining, the importance of mining and the history of mining, it pays homage to the industry that has built Snow Lake and so much of the North," the she said. "Much of that history and that knowledge is provided and protected here in this community. None of this happens easily. The effort to keep the community's history on display is something that happens only with hours and hours of work. None of it paid all of it from the goodness of people's hearts. So today, I want to recognize someone who has been at the forefront of making sure that the voices of Snow Lake and of Northern Manitobans are there to be shared for the future generations and for our future." When Hawman stepped forward, Ashton pinned the medal to his chest, joking, "I've yet to injure anyone!"
With the medal now on his chest, Hawman turned and addressed the crowd. "I'm not much for public speaking, but I won't waste this opportunity to acknowledge all the people who help out the museum," he said. "First and foremost, of course is Dori (Forsyth). She runs the place, she is our curator. She is a paid employee during the season, but the rest of the year she is a volunteer just like the rest of us and does all the billing ordering and everything in the background. The board too are all volunteers and are always willing to help. And we have a great bunch of guys who will drop their own lives to go out in the bush to look for old equipment that we can haul home and refurbish so I'd like to acknowledge all those people and the volunteer hours that go into that building."
Concluding Hawman was acknowledged with thunderous applause. Following this, attendees enjoyed coffee and baking provided by Ashton. Pictures were taken to commemorate the event and everyone in attendance had the opportunity to personally congratulate Hawman on this impressive award.
The medal itself was struck by the Governor General to recognize the 60th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Each MP was allocated 30 medals for distribution to recipients at their discretion their riding. Along with the medal, Hawman was given a certificate signed by Gov. Gen. David Johnston. His name will join the names of other recipients in a place of honour at Rideau Hall and online at the Governor General's website. The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medals were presented in 2002. At that time two Snow Lake residents were also honoured. They were former Anglican-United Minister Noelle Bowles and long-time Mayor Jack Forsyth.
