Canada’s Indigenous Cultures at the Heart of Canadian Armed Forces’ Indigenous Awareness Week Celebrations

May 23, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Media are invited to attend an Indigenous Awareness Week commemorative event, hosted by the Canadian Army at National Defence Headquarters, in Ottawa. The festivities will explore the theme of “Honouring the Traditional Ways”, which invites members of the Defence Team to look at ways they can weave Indigenous history, traditions and teachings into their lives and recognizes the contribution of Indigenous people to the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present.

Where: National Defence Headquarters, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa.

When: 10 a.m. to noon on May 25, 2017. Media are requested to arrive by 9:30 a.m. to allow for sign-in and security escort.

What: Journalists will attend a commemorative event including a prominent storyteller, Mr. Daniel Richer, a Métis dance performance by Prairie Fire, a display of Indigenous artefacts and demonstrations by traditional artisans. Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples, will be available for brief interviews following the event.  

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Associated Links

• Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Programs
• Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian Armed Forces
• The Canadian Army Fosters an Inclusive Work Environment for All
• The Sacred Tradition of the Eagle Staff
• The Defence Indigenous Advisory Group Celebrates 20 Years of Accomplishment
• Master Warrant Officer Stan Mercredi – A proud carrier of Indigenous tradition
• Indigenous  Awareness Week 2016 Video
• Canadian Army
• National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces

Notes to editor / news director: 

Interested media are requested to contact Major Nicole Meszaros, Canadian Army Public Affairs, at nicole.meszaros@forces.gc.ca or 613-796-5412, no later than noon, May 24, 2017.  

Contacts

Major Nicole Meszaros
Canadian Army Public Affairs
Email: nicole.meszaros@forces.gc.ca
Phone: 613-796-5412

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca