Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day

Statement

Ottawa – June 21, 2018  The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defense issued the following statement for National Indigenous Peoples Day:

“As we mark the 22nd anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour those brave Indigenous Canadians who answered the call to serve.

“We remember and honour the courage of the more than 12,000 Indigenous persons who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and in more recent military efforts, including the Afghanistan mission. We will never forget their sacrifices and achievements that have earned them many military decorations.

“We also recognize and commend those who serve in uniform today. Each day, Indigenous women and men contribute to the defence of our Canadian values of peace, freedom and democracy overseas. We honour their bravery and their service.

“Today, we invite Canadians everywhere to reflect upon and celebrate the vital contributions made by our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans, who have helped to shape the face of Canada’s culture and values.

“On behalf of the Veterans Affairs Canada and Department of National Defence, we thank you.”

Associated Links

Prime Minister Trudeau’s Statement on Intention to Rename National Aboriginal Day

About National Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Veterans historical overview

Contacts

Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Byrne.Furlong@forces.gc.ca
613-996-3100

Alex Wellstead
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
alex.wellstead@canada.ca
613-996-4649

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