The burning down of the history Gateway Hotel in The Pas back in 2017, is one that everyone remembers, but one person in particular will always remember that fateful night. Dennis Gabriel Charlette was in the Gateway Hotel the night it burned down and played an epic role in getting people out of the building and to safety. He was one of three people who were presented with the insignia of the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery.
It is a pin created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Decorations for Bravery Program and is bestowed to those who show selflessness in perilous situations. The pin also is an emblem to recognize the significance of such actions and express the gratitude of Canada. It was established in 1993, by His Excellency the Right Honourable Ramon Hnatyshyn, to broaden the Decoration for Bravery Program.
“I got it for what I did at the Gateway Hotel,” said Dennis Gabriel Charlette. “I was on my way to go guiding the day after it happened. I had stayed at my uncle Patrick’s place at the Gateway Hotel the night before and that’s the night it caught fire.