Last Post Fund recognized for reconciliation efforts

February 20, 2024 – Defence Stories

Last Post Fund received a 2023 BC Reconciliation Award at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on January 18. The Honourable Jane Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, presented six awards to groups and individuals who demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation, or inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts under the theme “Paddle Together”. Three members attended the ceremony: president of the BC branch Gino Simeoni from Burnaby, and volunteer researchers Glenn Smith from Abbotsford, and Ted Usher from Courtenay.

Last Post Fund (LPF) is dedicated to ensuring that no veteran is denied a dignified funeral, burial, or military gravestone due to insufficient funds at the time of their death. 

Over 18,000 Indigenous veterans served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) - often without benefits and facing discrimination upon their returned home. In March 2019, LPF established the Indigenous Veteran Initiative (IVI) as part of its mission and in alignment with the efforts of the federal and provincial governments towards reconciliation and building a renewed relationship with Indigenous communities. This initiative commemorates and honours Indigenous veterans by addressing two key components: the Unmarked Grave and the Traditional Name Marking.

“The Unmarked Grave component focuses on providing grave markers to Indigenous veterans who have been buried without an existing tombstone,” explains Ted. 

“These efforts make certain that their resting places are properly recognized and marked while preserving their memory and contribution. The Traditional Name Marking component acknowledges that names were changed in residential schools or omitted on their military papers, so IVI takes on the responsibility to add their traditional name to any existing tombstone placed by Last Post Fund, ensuring the acknowledgement of their identity and heritage.”

LPF collaborates with researchers who are either Indigenous Elders or former CAF members working alongside Elders. These researchers follow specific protocols when engaging with Elders, respecting the cultural and community requirements. The involvement of Elders is crucial as they possess valuable knowledge and information about deceased Indigenous veterans and their histories. 

Ted is also a dedicated volunteer at the Comox Air Force Museum and is recognized for his work on locating all veterans in the Comox Valley cemeteries to ensure no veteran is forgotten.

“The event featured local First Nations’ offering traditional songs and drum dances, and stories of their heritage and history, as well as a traditional meal,” explains Ted.

“We are all in the same canoe and must paddle together to ensure we, who live in British Columbia, protect Mother Earth and respect and recognize the heritage of our First Nations neighbours.”