Alex Decoteau in his police uniform, 1911. (City of Edmonton Archives, EA-302-82)

By Troy Gillard

Alex Decoteau Award of Honour

Alberta creates scholarship for Canada’s Armed Forces and their immediate families

Jul 31, 2020 | 12:54 PM

The provincial government says a newly created post-secondary award supports Alberta’s veterans as they transition from service to new careers.

The Alex Decoteau Award of Honour recognizes the sacrifice of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families and honours the service of Pte. Alex Decoteau. This new $5,000 award supports Albertans who have served our country and wish to pursue a post-secondary education.

“Each day, members of the Canadian Armed Forces risk their lives to protect ours. All Albertans share gratitude and respect towards these heroes and their families,” Premier Jason Kenney said in a release. “Honouring the memory of Alex Decoteau’s service and sacrifice reminds Albertans that our freedom and quality of life is due to the sacrifices of Canada’s brave women and men in uniform.”

The award is dedicated to Alex Decoteau who, prior to his military service, became Canada’s first Indigenous police officer when he joined the Edmonton Police Service in 1909. Decoteau was Cree, and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. He was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele.

Award applications will open on Aug. 1. The award is available to Canadian Armed Forces members who actively served in a designated military operation in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves), or were permanently disabled as a result of participation in Canadian Armed Forces training in Canada. It is also available to immediate family members of Canadian Armed Forces members killed or permanently disabled during active service or training. The award criteria was shaped in consultation with government, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and veterans’ organizations.

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Up to 200 awards will be available annually. All programs that lead to an academic credential at Alberta’s public post-secondary institutions are eligible, including journeyperson certificates.

(With file from media release)