National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces highlight Indigenous Awareness Week 2023
News release
May 26, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
This week, the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) commemorated Indigenous Awareness Week 2023.
Indigenous Awareness Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and rich cultures that Indigenous peoples bring to the National Defence community. In particular, we acknowledge and commemorate the many current and former Indigenous members of the CAF, who have defended Canada with courage and valour.
The theme of this year’s Indigenous Awareness Week is “Reconciliation is a path walked together.” This theme reminds us that reconciliation is a joint effort between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians – and that we all have a role to play. This year’s events aimed to highlight that collaborative education is key in our journey towards reconciliation.
Throughout the week, DND/CAF held events across the country to commemorate Indigenous Awareness Week and highlight reconciliation efforts.
The CAF’s main event was held on May 25 in Valcartier, Quebec. Indigenous and non-Indigenous DND/CAF members, as well as community members, came together to share Indigenous knowledge and traditions. The event included Indigenous ceremonies (such as smudging), a traditional meal, Indigenous-themed workshops, and speeches.
The event also included several guest speakers who shed light on various aspects of Indigenous culture, including:
- M. Jean-Philippe Thivierge, historian and proud member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation in Wendake, Quebec, and;
- Lieutentant-General Jocelyn Paul, Commander Canadian Army, Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples and proud member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation in Wendake, Quebec.
Quotes
“During Indigenous Awareness Week, we celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and languages of Indigenous peoples, and recommit to walking the path of reconciliation. As Minister of National Defence, I extend my sincere gratitude to all Indigenous members of the Defence community for their contributions to the security of our country and reaffirm my commitment to building a more inclusive Defence Team. As we continue to heed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the rich stories and unique traditions of Indigenous peoples – this week, and all year round.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
“Indigenous Awareness Week is a time to learn and gain a better understanding of Indigenous cultures while recognizing the contribution brought by Indigenous communities to the military. I strongly believe that the path towards Reconciliation is paved with education and is one that must be walked together. I encourage all members of the CAF, Indigenous or not, to keep on walking towards a more inclusive and diverse Defence Team.”
General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff
“Indigenous Awareness Week is a time to appreciate the many contributions made by Indigenous Peoples to the defence of this country. It is a story that began more than 400 years ago, to which new chapters are being added every day. I want to reiterate to you today that there is a bright future ahead for Indigenous Peoples in uniform.”
Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, Canadian Army Commander, and Defence Team Champion for Indigenous Peoples
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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