News from the world – CA – Canada celebrates Indigenous Veterans Day

The Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense, The Honorable Harjit S Sajjan, Minister of National Defense, The Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations , The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services and The Honorable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs issued the following statement in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day

« Today, we recognize the important contribution of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans in the service of Canada. Our country is indebted to them for their sacrifices and for the impacts their service has had on their families. and their communities

“From the War of 1812 to Afghanistan and beyond, Indigenous peoples served in times of war and peace for over two hundred years. For too long, however, this service has often been neglected and under – esteemed Indigenous Veterans Day was first recognized in Winnipeg in 1994 when Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities, and is commemorated across the country today

“This year, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we also pay tribute to the more than 3,000 Indigenous people – like Willard Bolduc of the Ojibwa Nation in Ontario – who served in all of the theaters of this conflict

« Flying Officer Bolduc was an artilleryman in Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force’s No.15 Squadron, mission after mission over occupied Europe, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944

“We also recognize the service of modern day veterans, such as Debbie Eisan of the Batchewana First Nation and Sarah Leo, an Inuit woman Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (retired) Eisan served 36 years in the Royal Navy. Canadian and became an Indigenous Advisor to senior military leaders With 21 years of service as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator, Sarah Leo deployed to the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans In 2019, she was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 444 Combat Support Squadron, located at 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, and served as Chair of the Nunatsiavut Government, the autonomous Inuit land claims organization in Nunatsiavut, working to create a more great sense of community and understanding in northern Labrador

« Finally, we pay tribute to the more than 2,700 Indigenous members currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Here in Canada and in operations around the world, they continue to carry on the proud legacy of service left by past generations

« Despite the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on all of our lives, we hope you take a moment today to commemorate the sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and to preserve the memory of those who wore uniforms and gave their lives in the service of Canada

National Indigenous Veterans Day, Lawrence MacAulay, Veterans Affairs Canada, Indigenous Peoples