Chief of the Defence Staff Message on National Aboriginal Day

Canada’s Indigenous people have played an important role in Canadian military history for more than a century. I am proud to lead an institution where you, the nearly 3000 Indigenous people of the Canadian Armed Forces, serve with pride and honour.

Service life is not always easy and I congratulate all of you for serving distinctly while maintaining close ties to your history.

This past winter, I was at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School where I had the honour of presiding over the graduation of the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program. I was struck by the calibre of the graduates; their commitment to their families, their culture and their future.

At that graduation I encouraged all of the graduates to follow through on their commitment to join the Canadian Armed Forces and to tell their families and friends about the great experience they had. I ask you to do the same thing today. Talk about your accomplishments in the military. Encourage your family and friends to consider a rewarding career with us. And do this while remaining true to your inspiring culture.

We need more of you. Your strength only makes our institution better.

Thank you for your service and for sharing your culture with us, thereby making our own culture more vibrant. 

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