Canada’s Defence Team Proudly Celebrates Indigenous Cultures during Indigenous Awareness Week
News release
May 24, 2018 – Ottawa – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, as part of Indigenous Awareness Week, the Canadian Army hosted a commemorative event at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa under the theme “Dancing in Unison”. This theme invites us to reflect on the past while looking to a positive future where we, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, can all thrive alongside each other to build a better society and a better Canada. As we live and work in a diverse community, learning about our different cultures and traditions enhances inclusion for all of us.
The event featured a variety of activities, including Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul as the keynote speaker, an address from Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander, Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples, Inuit throat singing, drum dancing, a display of artifacts, demonstrations of traditional artisanry, and the opportunity to sample traditional Indigenous foods.
From May 22 to 25, 2018, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and employees of the Department of National Defence are commemorating Indigenous Awareness Week by hosting similar events at various locations across Canada. This initiative enables the Defence Team to celebrate the Indigenous people of Canada, past and present, and the many Indigenous traditions and cultures that enrich the mosaic of our country.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
“Today, I am proud to celebrate the culture and history of the Indigenous peoples and to recognize the great contributions they have made to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. Diversity is a source of strength and flexibility, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that we stand strong, proud, and ready to serve Canadians and meet ever more complex challenges at home and abroad.”
Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples
Quick facts
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The role of Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples helps highlight the Defence Team’s commitment to employment equity within the organizational culture.
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The Defence Team engages Indigenous people across the country in a dialogue that highlights the rich cultural diversity, history and contributions that Indigenous people bring to Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, highlighting the common ethos that the Defence community shares with them.
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The Canadian Armed Forces supports a number of initiatives designed to help the military population reflect the diversity of Canada’s population. These initiatives include Indigenous youth development programs and outreach efforts in communities across Canada. Indigenous people make up approximately 2.7% (2018) of the military and 3.1% (2017) of the civilian Defence Team populations.
Associated links
- Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Programs
- History of 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 Aboriginal Advisory Group celebrates 20 years of accomplishment
- Master Warrant Officer Stan Mercredi – A Proud Carrier of Indigenous Tradition
- Canadian Army website
- Canadian Army Facebook
- Canadian Army Twitter
- Canadian Army YouTube
- Canadian Army Flickr
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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