Commander Canadian Army marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2024 – Defence Stories

Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, Commander Canadian Army (CA) and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples, issued the following statement to highlight National Indigenous Peoples Day:

"On this significant day, as Commander Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples, I am honoured to invite my colleagues, communities, and all Canadians to join me in recognizing and celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.

We can all play a part in making this a more inclusive nation by taking time to learn about the contributions and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples throughout our history and into the future.

National Indigenous Peoples Day holds a profound meaning as it coincides with the summer solstice. This is a significant time; not only for Indigenous Peoples, but for societies across the planet. An appreciation for the promise of summer is universal.

Throughout Canadian history, Indigenous Peoples have been valued partners in the defence and security of Canada. From their earliest interactions with the French and English, they have shaped the Canada we know today. These warriors have stepped forward to serve, even in times when they were not granted all the fundamental rights they were due.

As a proud member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, I am inspired by that history, and by those serving today who are carrying forward the torch passed to them. While we must not forget the wrongs of the past, we can all be a part of Reconciliation.

The Department of National and Canadian Armed Forces are taking concrete action as part of that process.

We are joining the Indigenous Career Navigator Program (ICNP), which has been developed to support the recruitment and retention, and the career advancement, of Indigenous public service employees.

The ICNP is available to DND Public Service employees and CAF members transitioning to the Public Service who identify as Indigenous. I encourage you to add your voice to the conversation around Reconciliation. 

I am very proud of our Indigenous Summer Programs . They offer Indigenous youth opportunities to challenge themselves with military training while also exposing them to Indigenous cultural teachings.

Not all of them become a part of the Canadian Armed Forces, but all of them demonstrate the potential to be the leaders of tomorrow. They are an inspiration.

I recently named Laurence Séguin our Army Recruiter of the Year. She earned this honour in part by her great work on Carcajou, an Indigenous Summer Program in Quebec. You can learn more about Sgt. Séguin and Carcajou here: https://www.canada.ca/en/army/news-publications/2024/06/sergeant-laurence-seguin.html.

We must all walk the path to Reconciliation together. Through understanding, education, and cooperation. Colleagues, the journey may be long, but I am confident we are going in the right direction. Let us resolve to always be moving forward."

Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul

Commander of the Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples