Statement – Ministers of Veterans Affairs, National Defence, Indigenous Services, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada mark Indigenous Veterans Day

From: Veterans Affairs Canada

Ottawa, ON – Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, issued the following statement to mark Indigenous Veterans Day.

“Indigenous Peoples have a long history of brave service in Canada’s military efforts, continuing today with honour, professionalism, and exceptional skill.

“On November 8^th, communities gather together to remember the contributions of Indigenous service members like: Sergeant (Ret’d) Wendy Jocko, who served in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and went on to be elected Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation community; Private Huron Brant, who earned the Military Medal in Sicily in 1943 during the Second World War, before making the ultimate sacrifice when he died in battle in Italy the following year; Lance Corporal John Shiwak, an Inuk service member from Labrador who served in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and was killed during the Battle of Cambrai; and Captain (Ret’d) Robert Thibeau, a Métis from Camp Shilo, Manitoba, who served for decades in the Canadian Armed Forces, including deployments to Bosnia and Cyprus.

“More than 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit are estimated to have served in the major conflicts of the 20^th century, and among those who followed in their footsteps, many faced barriers while trying to join and serve in the military, enduring systemic racism throughout and following their service.

“In times of war, conflict and peace, Indigenous Peoples have served with honour and their accomplishments continue to make all Canadians proud. Today, thousands of Indigenous People continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, in operations at home and abroad. We owe them profound gratitude for their courage, dedication and sacrifice.

“As we work to ensure that all First Nations, Métis and Inuit service members and Veterans, as well as their families and communities, receive the full recognition and support they have earned, please join us this Indigenous Veterans Day in honouring their immeasurable contributions and sacrifices throughout history and today.”

Associated Links:

Indigenous Veterans – Veterans Affairs Canada

Contacts
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
media@veterans.gc.ca

Isabelle Arseneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
isabelle.arseneau@veterans.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: simon.lafortune2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Jennifer.Kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca

Greg Frame
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Gregory.Frame@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Carson Debert
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Dan Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs
carson.debert@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

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