North Channel Métis Council Chair and Region 4 Women's Rep Receives Quilt of Valor

On April 26th 2026 North Channel Métis Council Chair and Region 4 Women's Representative June Smart and her husband Terry Smart received Quilts of Valor by Judy Millard at the Bruce Mines Legion. Terry served for 32 years and deployed three times, while June served for 36 years and served a year-long tour with the United Nations in the Golan Heights. Terry's quilt was lovingly made by Judy and June's was quilted by Norma Leblanc who lives in June's hometown of Thessalon ON. "It was a very proud and emotional moment for the two of us. These wonderful ladies take great skill and care not to mention time in creating such endearing keepsakes. We were both so humbled and grateful to be nominated. Thank you to the beautiful quilters for bestowing this honour on the two of us." says June in a Facebook Post.

Terry & June Smart wrapped in their Quilts of Valor

Judy Millard of Elliot Lake ON says "As one of the quilters who makes the quilts, I don't make them so they can sit and gather dust in our cupboard. I make them because I want them to go to someby for whom they will be a comfort, because that's the purpose. The idea for these quilts is that they are a hug from a grateful nation."