Commemorative ceremony honours Indigenous Veterans

From: Veterans Affairs Canada

News Release

Honouring the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous men and women in uniform

November 8, 2017 – Winnipeg, MB – Veterans Affairs Canada

Indigenous Veterans have served Canada with pride and distinction, and their dedication continues today in military and humanitarian operations around the globe. The Government of Canada, along with the rest of the country, are immensely grateful for their contribution.

Michel Doiron, Assistant Deputy Minister at Veterans Affairs Canada, joined students of the Aboriginal Community Campus at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development this morning for a commemorative ceremony to honour Canada’s fallen Indigenous heroes and Veterans. Doiron laid a wreath at the commemorative ceremony on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada.

This event brings together people of all ages, including Veterans, youth and Indigenous people to pay tribute to the many brave Indigenous men and women in uniform—past and present—who have made great sacrifices to serve Canada and defend our values.

This Veterans’ Week, express your gratitude and appreciation for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police members and those who have given their lives in service, who come from diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional backgrounds. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #Passchendaele100 or visit canada.ca/canada-remembers.

Quotes

“Today, we remember as many as 12,000 courageous First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who served Canada in conflict and peace support missions throughout the 20th century, with more than 500 who made the ultimate sacrifice. We honour the contributions made by all Indigenous people while serving, such as Manitoba native Sergeant Tommy Prince—one of Canada’s most decorated soldiers who exhibited extraordinary bravery and dedication to this country.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

  • Several Canadian warships were named as an indication of our country’s esteem for the proud heritage of Indigenous peoples (for example, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Cayuga and HMCS Huron).

  • 2017 is a special year of commemoration for Canada, including Canada 150, the 100th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

  • The Government of Canada has improved the services and benefits offered to Veterans and their caregivers and families. To all Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their families—Veterans Affairs Canada is here for you. Learn how we can help at veterans.gc.ca/services.

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Contacts

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca             

Alex Wellstead
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Marileen Bartlett
Executive Director
Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development
204-989-7112
mbartlett@abcentre.org

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