OTTAWA, Nov. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Coast to coast to coast, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples have made many immeasurable contributions to Canada's armed forces that have help shape Canada.
Indigenous men and women have helped define our military history for over 200 years. As many as 12,000 served Canada in the great conflicts and peace support missions of the 20th century, with at least 500 giving their lives. In this century, Indigenous Veterans have served with honour and distinction overseas and their dedication continues in peacekeeping operations in faraway lands.
Today, on Aboriginal Veterans Day, all Canadians are encouraged to join in honouring and thanking these Indigenous men and woman and to help preserve their legacy for future generations.
Quotes
"Veterans' Week is a time to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served Canada from past to present, and express our endless gratitude for their service. As we pause today to mark Aboriginal Veterans Day, we thank the thousands of Indigenous Canadians in uniform who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their contributions and efforts have helped our country in its efforts to make this world a safer place."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"Reconciliation is about all Canadians making efforts to better understand our history and chart a new path together, and that includes learning about the sacrifices made by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women and men serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Today we thank and honour all those who served, those who lost their lives and those whose lives were changed forever."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"A special day to honour the Indigenous people of Canada who have provided voluntary military service to Canada since 1812."
Mr. Richard Blackwolf, President of Canadian Aboriginal Veterans and Serving Members Association
"November 8 has been designated as Aboriginal Veterans Day. This is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by our indigenous Peoples and their commitment to Canada. We honour the memory of those who have fallen in battles from our First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities who fought alongside other Canadians, in many global conflicts, for the preservation of peace and security. We also honour those who continue to serve this great country. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Mr. Robert Thibeau, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
Quick Facts
- Today, more than 1,200 First Nations, Inuit and Métis people serve with the Canadian Armed Forces
- Several Canadian warships were named as an indication of our country's esteem for the proud heritage of Indigenous Canadians (the HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Micmac and HMCS Huron).
Associated Links
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/aboriginal-veterans
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canada/national-aboriginal-veterans-monument
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1414152378639/1414152548341
SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
media may contact: Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649 ; Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316 ; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160 ; Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
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