Ref. #2-23428
Gatineau, Quebec (November 11, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians issued the following statement today:
"Our Government is proud to acknowledge the valuable contributions and sacrifices made by Aboriginal veterans. Through their achievements, their bravery and their courage, they have shaped the future of our country.
Today is a time for all Canadians to commemorate the extraordinary efforts of the men and women who fought and died for Canada on the battlefields of the world. With a long and distinguished history of military service, Aboriginal people have, and continue to form an integral part of Canada's Armed Forces.
Thousands of Aboriginal people volunteered for service in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The skills they had developed as hunters and trappers made them exceptional soldiers. Sadly, hundreds of Aboriginal soldiers never returned to the home they bravely defended, finding their final resting places in Canadian cemeteries around the world.
Aboriginal veterans' extraordinary bravery is a source of great pride for all Canadians. Today, Aboriginal people continue to be important members of the Canadian Armed Forces, actively engaged in bringing peace to war torn regions around the world.
Remembrance Day and Veterans Week is a time for each of us to reflect on what our veterans have given us - to restate our gratitude for the peace and freedom that we enjoy, and for which they sacrificed so much.
Our Government is extremely grateful to all Aboriginal veterans for the sacrifices of the past, present and the future."
