HONOURING OUR INDIGENOUS MEN AND WOMEN ON NATIONAL ABORIGINAL VETERANS' DAY

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

“For more than half–a–century, Indigenous women and men, along with their fellow military and civilian counterparts, and the souls of the fallen have stood alone, isolated from their rightful place in the halls of honour, in our history books, and in the memories and hearts of their fellow countrymen. For those horrific years of negligence, acts of compensation are long overdue to assuage the souls of the living, and to put to rest the souls of the deceased.

“I have tremendous respect and admiration for Canada’s, and indeed the world’s Indigenous peoples, and I am forever grateful to them for my freedom, and for saving my life, at a time of personal tribulations. Words cannot express what my heart wishes to convey. To Elders Mr. Douglas Cardinal, Senator Claude Aubin, and Chief Roger Augustine, and to all Aboriginals, thank you for sharing your sacred knowledge, and for granting me the privilege of actively participating in your powerful healing ceremonies. If I had been denied access, I most assuredly would not be alive today.”

– Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, MNCTP

OTTAWA, TODAY – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined the Government of Canada in honouring National Aboriginal Veterans’ Day.

This special day honours the men and women of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples that have defined our military history for over 200 years. From the War of 1812, both World Wars, the Korean conflict, to the present day Canadian Armed Forces, our Aboriginal Veterans have served and continue to serve Canada with honour and distinction.

Despite being exempt from conscription, nearly 10,000 aboriginals volunteered for service during the First and Second World Wars. In fact, aboriginal participation in Canada’s war efforts was proportionately higher than that of any other group of people in Canada. Several Indigenous soldiers became enfranchised before they were permitted to fight in the Second World War. When they returned to their home communities after this war, their Indian status was revoked, and many were denied services and support offered to non–aboriginals. Many succumbed to a life ending in despair and poverty.