Manitoba soldier dies fighting in Ukraine

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This article was published 14/11/2023 (695 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE PAS — A northern Manitoba man, known for his caring and compassionate nature, has died after going to fight alongside the Ukrainian army, his family says.

Austin Lathlin-Bercier, 25, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, ventured into battle in Ukraine against invading Russian forces soon after the war broke out last year. His family was told of his death this week.

“All we know is we got the call (Monday) that he was missing for two days. Later that day, we got the call they found his body but they can’t extract it right now due to the ongoing battle in that area,” sister Faith Lathlin-Bercier wrote in an email Tuesday.

“They don’t know how long it could take to extract him. It could take days to months. We’re waiting to get him home.”

The Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa said Lathlin-Bercier was declared missing earlier this month.

“On Nov. 11, 2023, Canadian citizen Lathlin-Bercier, Austin Isidore… who served in the military unit of the armed forces of Ukraine, was reported missing in action in the vicinity of Avdiivka, Donetsk region,” said an email from the embassy. “The embassy is in contact with the family and will continue to provide all available information.”

Global Affairs Canada said it was “aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Ukraine,” but did not include a name.

Faith Lathlin-Bercier said her brother was always trying to help people who needed it the most.

“Almost everyone who knew him can recount a moment where he stood up for someone or helped someone when no one else did,” she said.

“He told me when he was done fighting, he wanted to come back to our reserve and become someone who could teach the young children of our community.”

OCN Chief Maureen Brown said Lathlin-Bercier had training with the Canadian Armed Forces in its cadet and Bold Eagle programs. The latter combines Indigenous teachings and military training.

Brown said he had originally left the community located some 620 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg to teach English in Peru. He then went to Italy and Romania, where he learned of the war erupting in Ukraine.

“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,” the OCN chief said.

“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.”

Flags in the community have been lowered and residents are planning a service to honour Lathlin-Bercier at a later date.

Peter Derksen, a retired Winnipeg Police Service member who recently returned from the Ukraine war, called Lathlin-Bercier a “hero of the free world.”

“He went to Ukraine to help those people have a lifestyle like Canada,” Derksen said, adding while he did not personally know Lathlin-Bercier, nor any other Canadians fighting in the war, the death was “devastating news.”

He paid “the ultimate price,” Derksen said. “Heroyam slava” (glory to the heroes).

Lathlin-Bercier’s mother, Lucy, said the family’s hearts are broken.

“This honestly doesn’t feel real,” she wrote in a social media post. “I cry (because) I miss your laugh, your smile and even the words, ‘Mom, can you make me something to eat.’

“I will always and forever have you in my heart, my son.”

His sister recalled the last message Lathlin-Bercier sent to the family Nov. 9, directed to his mother.

“He said, ‘Thanks mom, all is good over here,’” she said. “Our family asks for prayers to have him back home in Canada, so we can lay him to rest.”

— with files from Gabrielle Piché

— The Canadian Press