New Indigenous liaison position focuses on respectful relationship building

Building relationships and recognizing Indigenous peoples’ rich history and diverse culture is essential to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as an organization that represents the country. For this reason, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke has created a unique, first of its kind position.

The new Indigenous Liaison Officer is exclusive to HMCS Margaret Brooke and will promote a greater understanding of the Indigenous history and foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities in Canada’s north.

Where other classes of ships are affiliated with Canadian cities, Harry DeWolf class is affiliated with northern regions where a large proportion of the population is Inuk.

The new position will help inform the larger mandate of all Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships to build respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities in Canada’s North.

“It’s important to work in partnership with Indigenous communities, as we build our cultural knowledge,” said Margaret Brooke’s Indigenous Liaison Officer, Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Emily Gjos.

SLt Gjos’ family is from the Sault Ste Marie, Ont., Métis community.

As part of her role, SLt Gjos will advise both Margaret Brooke’s command team and the wider ship’s company on Indigenous issues. SLt Gjos is already working to forge relationships with local Indigenous groups, including the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, naming Elder Eisan an Honorary Captain (Navy) of HMCS Margaret Brooke.

“I never thought I’d be able to have a position like this, especially so early in my career,” said SLt Gjos, who is a naval warfare officer. “This is a really positive step. It shows that junior officers like myself can have a role to play in supporting strategic outreach and finding opportunities for respectful relationship building.”

Before joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in September 2019, she was an elected council member in the Ottawa area with the Métis Nation of Ontario and worked in the federal Public Service, focusing on diversity and inclusion policies.

After she joined the military, SLt Gjos planned to continue her involvement with diversity and inclusion work through the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group. This new role has allowed her to further pursue her passion.

She credits Honorary Captain (Navy) (HCapt(N)) Debbie Eisan, a member of Batchewana First Nation, as a guiding influence as she finds her way in her new role.

Before she was named Honorary Captain of HMCS Margaret Brooke in 2021, HCapt(N) Eisan spent 36 years with the RCN and was a valued advisor to senior military leaders on Indigenous matters. 

Now a representative of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, HCapt(N) Eisan is a familiar figure at many RCN events, offering an Indigenous perspective and performing smudging ceremonies.

“I can’t say enough good things about Elder Eisan. The relationship that HMCS Margaret Brooke has with her is incredibly important to the work that we’re doing, as she helps us proceed in a good way,” said SLt Gjos.

As one of their first learning opportunities, the ship’s company took part in a blanket exercise at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax on June 21, 2022, National Indigenous Peoples Day. National Indigenous Peoples Day honours the heritage, diverse culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada.

“The blanket exercise starts a conversation around our shared history, how that relationship has impacted Indigenous people, and what that means for contemporary Indigenous people in Canada today,” said SLt Gjos.

“It’s very emotional and reflective, and it helps build awareness in a very approachable way.”