WINNIPEG — A war veteran and active member of the indigenous community who was kicked out of Portage Place Mall, was honoured Friday after sparking change.
Joseph Meconse was kicked out of the mall’s food court in early February after security said he was loitering.
The respected elder said he had just sat down to eat when he was asked to leave.
Meconse frequented the mall to meet up with friends and said he never had issues in the past.
At the time, the mall had a rule where people couldn’t sit in the food court longer than 30 minutes without eating.
READ MORE: Dozens protest in Portage Place mall after respected elder is kicked out
Days after being kicked out, dozens protested the treatment he received.
“Today Portage Place will reach out to those we have wronged and ask for forgiveness,” said the mall’s general manager David Stone.
Bear Paw Security will now help the security at the mall and current employees will go through sensitivity training.
“Today we apology to you Joe Meconse and thank you for your forgiveness,” said Short.
“I hope the challenges of the past serve as the inspiration for the future.”