Ottawa, Ontario (April 6, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced a partnership with the Métis National Council to launch a web site that will allow the Canadian public to gain deeper awareness of the role played by Métis veterans during the First and Second World Wars.
“I am delighted that Métis veterans will finally have a venue through which they can tell their stories of heroism and sacrifice,”said Minister Strahl. “This is an important step forward, not just for the veterans and their families, but for all Canadians. These are stories that we all need to hear.”
“This project will pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of Métis Veterans who have served our country during wartimes,”said Minister Thompson. “Their courage, sacrifices and accomplishments are a source of pride to their families, communities and all Canadians.”
The web site will provide a virtual library through which Métis veterans will be able to share their photographs, stories, remembrances and the lessons they learned through their war experiences. It will also give Métis veterans information on program and services supports.
The Government of Canada is providing approximately $39,000 that will be used to create a content management system that will enable the Métis National Council (MNC) to store and disseminate data and research in real time, and to transmit knowledge to others using electronic data, graphic models, audio and video streaming mediums. The system will provide the MNC with a compelling and user-friendly tool to advance the interests of Métis Veterans.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
613-996-4649
