Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
In 1995, the Government of Saskatchewan established a decoration to recognize the volunteer sector on the occasion of the province's 90th anniversary: the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Saskatchewan has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada. Each volunteer reaches outside his or her personal activities to help others and make daily life in our province better for everyone. Formal recognition of volunteers is a way both of expressing the gratitude of the community and of presenting role models to the people of the province.
While the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, established in 1985 as the province's highest honour, does recognize volunteer or community service, this is only one among many fields of endeavour for which the Order is bestowed. Prior to 1995 the volunteer sector in Saskatchewan was not adequately recognized by the provincial government.
1. Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
National Status
In 1998, the Government of Canada accorded status to the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal after national and provincial orders, under other national decorations and medals. This means that recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal are entitled to wear it on national occasions and recipients of Canada's national honours who also receive Saskatchewan honours may wear both in the sequence approved by the Governor General.
Insignia
Designed by Jack Glasser of Regina, winner of a provincial competition.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal is silver, circular in form, and suspended by a V-shaped clasp from a ribbon of green and gold, the provincial colours.
- Bears the Saskatchewan shield of arms
- The Crown and the motto Nos ipsos dedimus (We Gave of Ourselves).
Recipients also receive a circular silver lapel pin displaying the Saskatchewan shield of arms superimposed on a "V," a certificate, and are entitled to use the post-nominal letters S.V.M. The medal is presented by the Lieutenant Governor in an annual ceremony.
The names and photos of the recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal are displayed adjacent to the Athabasca Gallery on the second floor of the Legislative Building.
2. Nomination Criteria and Process
Nomination Criteria
Any Canadian citizen who is a current or former long-term resident of Saskatchewan is eligible for nomination for the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
Not Accepted
- Posthumous nominations.
- Organizations, only individuals.
- Sitting members of Parliament or the Legislature or members of the judiciary who still hold office.
Any individual or group may submit nominations. The Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council recommends recipients based entirely on the information submitted with the nomination.
Completing the Nomination Form
Only one nomination form is required per nominee.
Please provide:
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Telephone number as well as the nominee's.
- Summary statement briefly explaining the reasons you are nominating this person.
Support Letters
Please provide three to six letters from others in support of the nomination, explaining why your nominee is worthy of this honour. Do not exceed six letters. They must be on 8-1/2 x 11" paper, typed or clearly hand-written in dark ink.
Additional Information
You may provide material in support of your nomination. Please ensure that this material is succinct and directly relevant to the nomination. All support materials must be on 8½ x 11" paper, typed, reproduced or clearly hand-written in dark ink.
Acceptable
- Including an expanded statement of your reasons for the nomination
- Biography of the nominee
- List of achievements
Non-acceptable
- Cassettes
- Videotapes
- Compact discs
- Photographs
- Albums
- Newspaper clippings (unless photocopied onto 8-1/2 x 11" paper) as they will be discarded
Submitting a Nomination
Nominations are accepted year-round; the deadline is October 31st. Nominations received after this date will be considered the following year. The person submitting the nomination must sign nomination forms.
All information provided to us is confidential and exclusively for the use of the Honours Advisory Council. We ask that you not inform the nominee of his or her nomination.
Submit signed nomination form and materials by:
- Courier; or
- In-person
Address
Saskatchewan Honours and Awards Program
Protocol Office
300 - 3085 Albert Street
REGINA SK S4S 0B1
Contact Us
Phone: 306-787-3001
Toll free: 1-877-427-5505
Fax: 306-787-1269
Email: honours@gov.sk.ca
Acknowledgement of Nomination
You will receive an acknowledgement for your nomination in 14 days.
3. Newest Recipients
Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal 2024 recipients
Valerie Bidaux (Eastend) 
Valerie Bidaux is a dedicated community leader and continuing care assistant with a passion for service. As a town council member, she contributes to various boards, including the Eastend Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Hall, and the Eastend Housing Authority. Valerie played a key role in bringing a US hockey team to Saskatchewan, boosting local revenue. A committed fundraiser, she has led efforts to benefit STARS Air Ambulance, the Wilkinson Memorial Observatory, and local recreation initiatives.
William Brooks (Saskatoon) 
A Ph.D. in Space and Atmospheric Physics, William Brooks is a creative workplace consultant and process coach with a respected career studying the Aurora Borealis and collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency. Passionate about STEM education, he has volunteered with schools, judged national science fairs, and founded the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Resource Centre for the Prairies. A dedicated community leader, William has served on boards such as Leadership Saskatoon, Saskatoon Council on Aging, and the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, earning numerous awards for his contributions.
Creighton (Wayne) Cameron (Moose Jaw) 
Wayne Cameron is a dedicated community volunteer with a passion for service and leadership. As a board member of RuBarb Productions, he helped secure funding and promote local theatre. He has served as President of Toastmasters, judged oratorical contests, and led a backpack program for students in Costa Rica. A committed volunteer with multiple organizations, Wayne’s contributions have earned him the Wakamow Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Brenda Corman (Saskatoon)
Brenda Corman, a retired registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant, is a dedicated advocate for maternal and infant health. In June 2021, she founded Motherhood YXE, a free, inclusive, drop-in group supporting new mothers. A volunteer with Saskatchewan Breastfeeding Matters since 1992, she manages their website, digitized key resources, and advocates for perinatal support. Brenda also organizes the annual Quintessence Breastfeeding Event, promoting breastfeeding awareness. Her commitment ensures vital support remains accessible to all mothers in and around Saskatoon.
Audrey and Ron Euteneier (Regina)
Audrey and Ron Euteneier are dedicated community leaders and long-time volunteers. Ron, a retired farmer and Petro Canada pipeline supervisor, served as a firefighter for over 25 years; even lending his grain truck to fight fires. Audrey, an accomplished artist and life member of the Regina Federation of Artists, has taught painting and coordinated art exhibits. Together, they have devoted 20 years to the Kronau Heritage Museum, spearheading fundraising, exhibitions, and rebranding efforts to enhance the community.
John Grant (Regina) 
John Grant is the President of Campbell & Haliburton Group of Companies and a dedicated community leader in Regina. He actively supports numerous initiatives, including the North Central Family Centre, GMS Queen City Marathon, and the Team Sask Triathlon (Brent Gibson Memorial Ice Breaker.) Known for his philanthropy, John’s contributions span cultural, educational, and charitable causes. In recognition of his exceptional community service, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Lyle Johnson, O.M.M., C.D. (Moose Jaw)
Lyle Johnson, a retired high school teacher from Moose Jaw, has dedicated his life to education, community service, and the arts. During his career at Peacock Collegiate, he produced and directed over 60 theatrical productions. He is the founder of Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers and has served on its board since 1985. Lyle has been an Army Cadet League of Canada volunteer since 1972 and is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces with 45 years of service. Lyle also hosts Moose Jaw This Week and continues to mentor youth and contribute to local organizations.
Harvey Linnen (Regina)
Harvey Linnen, a communications specialist and owner of HJ Linnen Associates, has made a profound impact on Regina’s arts and culture scene. As founding President of Theatre Regina, he led efforts to establish the Regina Performing Arts Centre and later saved it from closure, raising $500,000 for upgrades. He also chaired the Save Darke Hall Coalition, helping to save that building from demolition, so that it could eventually be restored. Harvey continues to enrich his community as a patron and advisor for the Regina Art Collective, as a musician, teacher and board member with Regina Mandolin Orchestra, and as vice president of the Royal United Services Institute.
Sandy Lougheed (Beechy) 
Sandi Lougheed, a retired teacher from Beechy, has dedicated her life to community service. A longtime leader with Royal Purple, a charity which works to raise awareness and to prevent brain injuries, she has served as National President and currently chairs the Saskatchewan Royal Purple Charity Partnership Committee. She also played a key role in coordinating the Al Howie Tomorrow Run across Canada in 1990. Through her leadership and volunteerism, Sandi continues to make a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Oswald Lutz (Lanigan)
Oswald Lutz, a retired teacher, vice-principal, and former Lanigan Town Councillor, has dedicated decades to community service. A 54-year member of the Lions Club, he continues to serve into his late 80s. His leadership spans roles with the Lanigan Senior Pirates, Scouts Canada, St. Mary’s Parish, and the Lanigan Sports Association. He also volunteers at Central Parkland Lodge and the Lanigan Food Bank. His contributions earned him Lanigan’s Citizen of the Year and the Melvin Jones Award.
Dr. Bruce Neill (Indian head) 
Dr. Bruce Neill, a retired Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada researcher is a dedicated community leader in Indian Head. He chaired the Indian Head Grand Theatre, is Drum Sergeant with the RCMP Pipe Band, and supported Scouts, Air Cadets, and minor sports. A champion of environmental conservation, he founded the Save the Shelterbelt Centre committee and promotes nature-based learning. His leadership spans horticulture, outdoor education, and community sustainability initiatives.
Laura Poppy (Indian Head)
Laura Poppy, a retired Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada researcher, is a passionate community volunteer in Indian Head. She has led initiatives in Scouts Canada, Indian Head Communities in Bloom, and is a board member with Nature Saskatchewan. As Treasurer of the Community Garden and a civilian Drum Corporal with the RCMP Pipe Band, she brings leadership and dedication to numerous local organizations. Her contributions earned her the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Ron Rongve (North Battleford) 
Rob Rongve has been a leading figure in the Battlefords community, chairing the $10 million campaign to build the Recreation & Cultural Centre and co-chairing the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games. He has served on numerous boards, including the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and Dekker Centre. Rob also chaired the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre and fundraising campaigns for the Battlefords Trade & Education Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association and was the Founding Chair of the Battlefords and District Community Foundation. Rob has been honoured with multiple awards, including Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Jayne C.M. Whyte (Regina) 
Jayne Whyte, a dedicated mental health advocate and author, has spent 50 years with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) advancing mental health and human rights awareness. She authored Pivot Points: A Fragmented History of Mental Health in Saskatchewan. She has contributed to CMHA TRANSITION Magazine and Saskatchewan seniors’ projects. Jayne shares her lived experience with mental illness to advance consumer advocacy, education, and mental health policy development in Canada.