Photo (Left to right): Jordan McPhail, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, Elaine Ratt, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Elaine Ratt has been recognized for her selfless act that saved a boy from the icy river and is the newest recipient of the Royal Canadian Humane Association Silver Medal.
The Royal Canadian Humane Association Silver Medal is one of the highest civilian honours.
Last year, a boy hurried into the Sucker River gas bar where Ratt was working, needing help.
He stated that his friend had fallen through the ice.
Ratt hurried to the river bank after calling 911, as emergency services were 20 minutes away.
Ratt crawled across the thin ice, which was less than an inch thick, when she seen that the bot was struggling to keep his head above water.
The ice broke below her submersing her into the icy cold waters where she help the boy raise his head above the water and find a rock to help get to safety.
After carrying him back to the gas bar, she waited with him until the paramedics and RCMP arrived.
“Elaine’s bravery in the face of life-threatening danger shows what it truly means to act from the heart,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. “She acted with instinct, love and strength — qualities that make us all proud to call her one of our own. We are deeply proud of her and the honour she has brought to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.”