Defence Team News Interview with CPO 2 Stevens and CWO Bérubé, on the unveiling of Indigenous spiritual symbols on military headstones at the National Military Cemetery
Video / June 29, 2022
Transcript
(SL) On 21st June, the Canadian Armed Forces unveiled the two new Indigenous spiritual symbols to be engraved on the headstones at the National Military Cemetery. Today, we're joined by Chief Petty Officer second class Patrick Stevens and Chief Warrant Officer Jules Bérubé. And they're gonna tell us more about it.
(PS) So, today, the two symbols being approved for engraving is the Métis symbol for the infinity, as well as the First Nations symbol of the medicine wheel. The importance behind them is that it's allowing Indigenous people the ability to identify a cultural spiritual voice they have. The importance behind the symbols, it's pretty exciting, because it's giving the Indigenous people the chance to really be proud of their culture and a place where they can finally rest and really identify themselves.
(JB) To properly honour our fallen Indigenous military and veterans, we needed the symbols, but to do it in a very respectful matter. Consultations were of the upmost importance. So, we consulted with the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group. We received advice as well from the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, but as well, a lot of consultations were done with elders and community leaders outside of the organization to make sure that we truly were doing things with the upmost respect for the Indigenous culture. That was crucial. Definitely, it was a fantastic opportunity and journey to learn a lot about our Indigenous culture. And truly, it became obvious how rich, diverse and beautiful culture it is.
(PS) I also pretty excited, because it's another small step we take. I speak often about how challenging facing somebody's cultural barriers might be. And this is another barrier we've been able to take down. And we are doing another step towards a more inclusive future for the CAF, as well as for Beechwood cemetery.
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