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  • Letter from the President

    Members,

    It is with a great deal of pride that I share with you the some of the steps that the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) has made over the past number of years.

    As I believe history is extremely important to who we are as individuals, nations and as First Peoples to Canada, the time to reflect on our contributions to Canada must be recognized and never forgotten. From the early days of explorers, settlers, military engagements and finally the formation of Turtle Island to what is now called Canada, we can be proud of who we are as a Peoples. History in Canada has not necessarily been kind to our ancestors and forefathers; we must never allow those facts to be forgotten. The loss of traditional and spiritual culture as well as the fear towards our cultural ways leading to the almost extinction of our identity can never be erased. However, we did not fall nor did we fail in our way of life but rather we took hold and tried to adapt to the newcomers’ ways. It was not easy. Our ancestors who were our leaders chose the path they felt was the best for all and with that they moved forward.

    This Remembrance Day marks a couple of genuine milestones for First Nations, Metis and Inuit Veterans and for our National organization AVA. Throughout the history of Canada, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with Canada as it fought off enemies even earlier then our involvement in the War of 1812. The War of 1812 would not have been successful in the eventual formation of this country had it not been for the efforts of our Peoples. After Canada was formed and against some of the Numbered Treaties, Aboriginals took up arms to fight alongside our brothers and sisters in arms though Two World Wars, Korea, Peacekeeping and Peacemaking operations and finally the War in Afghanistan. 1972 marked the first time that an Aboriginal was selected as the Silver Cross Mother for Canada, Mrs. Mary McLeod, an Ojibway whose son Alfred Joseph was killed in Ortona. Her wreath was laid on behalf of all Silver Cross Mothers. It was not until Twenty-Five years ago this Remembrance Day that a National Aboriginal Veterans group was allowed to lay a wreath at the National Monument. That organization was the National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA) of which AVA got its roots. We must not forget those Elders who were instrumental in negotiating for federal money for the artist to create our own National Aboriginal monument in Ottawa which recognizes wartime sacrifices of our Peoples. This monument was erected in 2001 by NAVA. Additionally, the evolution of First Nations Veterans autonomous groups concurrent with Metis Veterans autonomous groups across the country. The final evolution being the creation of AVA with representative groups & veterans from across our country. AVA now represents all our representative aboriginal veterans, police forces and associates within its core principles. In Ottawa on Remembrance Day, we continue to honour our Fallen in a short but meaningful Ceremony of Remembrance. This started with just a handful of individuals and now draws the attention of more and more Veterans and others on November 11. Again, this year I encourage anyone who is in the Ottawa area to come out and honour those brave men and women who died in Foreign lands with some being buried in the soil of a Foreign country. I must also mention that on November 8 1993, NAVA through a great deal of work and pressure managed to convince the Mayor of Winnipeg to declare that Day as Aboriginal Veterans Day of which the Province of Manitoba has officially recognized this day to honour our Veterans.

    In closing, I take pride in knowing that I served this country for a number of years in my life. In the trenches and on the field of battle there was no colour, no racism nor ill feelings towards our comrades in arms. The many sacrifices made by all men and women of Canada must never be forgotten by all Canadians. The only hope that we can ask is that our Political Masters fully understand the pain, suffering and the loss of life as a testament to decisions being made that lean towards conflict.

    Lest we Forget

  • The Annual General Assembly of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

    On Friday September 22nd, I had the opportunity to give a presentation at the 46th Annual General Assembly of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. The presentation was about many issues we are working on. We have approched the new Minister of Veteran Affairs Canada, the Honorouble Seamus O’Regan, he has acknowledged our expectations and he is willing to work with us. I am hopeful that we can get things done on behalf of all our Veterans. With this talk and the intended move by the Chief of CAP to obtain funding I believe we are destined to become the voice for all indigenous military and RCMP Vets and their families. This acceptance by the Ministers office is an important step forward.

    Come and visit all the kiosks like the Algonquin College where they offer a course to become an Indigenous cook. See link for additional information:

    http://www.algonquincollege.com/hospitalityandtourism/program/indigenous-cook-pre-apprenticeship/

    Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik All our Relations.

    Robert Thibeau
    AVA President

  • Aboriginal Veterans, Who are they?

    Recently, myself as your President and Mr. Bob Crane from AVA Ontario met with Mr. Guy Dancause who is looking to produce an educational segment on Aboriginal Veterans past and present. The concept is to “show Elders of our communities and our youth nationwide who these Aboriginal Veterans are” and “what legacy they leave behind.” With a few Veterans involved and the camera taking shots at convenient times throughout the year-long venture some of those questions will be answered. We will use stories from Veterans about themselves or about family members who served Canada and are a source of pride within our Aboriginal communities across this country. We will also mention some of the negative treatment our past Veterans received after fighting for the Crown and how we have managed to push that negativity behind us and continue to honourably serve this country.

    This is a chance for AVA to educate our Elders, youth and all Canadians on the many contributions and sacrifices made by Aboriginals who served overseas as well as the service of those left on the Homefront. Let us take this opportunity to get as many stories out regarding Service to Canada.

    Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations

    Robert Thibeau, CD

  • Chief of the Defence Staff Joint Suicide Prevention Strategy Message

    5 October 2017 – NDHQ Ottawa

    Suicide is an issue we have been dealing with for a very long time. Like many of you, I’ve lost friends to suicide and it’s gut-wrenching every time it happens. Every life that is lost, every career cut short, is a blow to our military family.

    This is a complex problem. There is no quick or easy solution. But there are ways we can make it easier for those who are suffering in silence to get the help they need. This is what we’re doing today with the Joint Suicide Prevention Strategy. We want to change the attitude around suicide and mental illness, and we’ll do this in several ways.
    First, resilience will continue to be a priority. Like with any other injury, prevention is our best line of defence. This means training and preparing you throughout your career for stressful and traumatic situations, so you can bounce back more quickly if you are injured or wounded.

    If you do have a problem, you will get the help you need. Our medical system exists to treat you for any injury or wound you sustain—whether mental or physical, on deployment or at home. I will not tolerate any form of stigma or judgment levied against someone who has the courage to ask for help. I expect all CAF leaders to foster a culture of respect and compassion that puts the well-being of our people and their families first.

    Don’t let yourself, your friends, your family or your coworkers struggle alone. Just the act of reaching out could save a life.

    Jonathan H. Vance
    General
    Chief of the Defence Staff

    You’re Not Alone

    Additional information available on he following link:

    https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/caf-vac-joint-suicide-prevention-strategy.html

  • The Dieppe 75th Commemoration

    First, I would like to thank the membership of our fine Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones for the honour and the privilege to represent our Veterans from across Canada on this most extraordinary pilgrimage in Dieppe France.

    I was more than honoured to be in the company of 4 distinguished Dieppe Raid Veterans who were part of this horrific battle on the beaches of Dieppe during World War 2. Dieppe Veterans, David Hart, Maurice Leblanc, Stan Edwards and Metis Vet Paul Delorme. The reason I distinguish Mr. Delorme as being Metis is simply because in past years no one has made reference to anyone of our indigenous warriors who were involved in any of the conflicts of Canada’s past and only in recent years is that recognition beginning to surface. I certainly thank VAC for the inclusion of Indigenous ceremonies at this Commemoration.

    Stan Edwards is 97. He landed on the beach with the Calgary tanks. 29 tanks, the new Churchill tanks were used on the raid. Stan and the other tanks could not reach their intended areas assigned due to a number of reasons. Stan says, “There was heavy German direct and indirect fire and this stopped the Engineers in their assigned mission which was to create gaps in the wire obstacles with Bangalore torpedoes. The intense fire with its accuracy was killing everything that moved on the beach. Some or most of our tanks were disabled due to tracks being dislocated from their treads. Some of our guys were killed when they went out to try and put the tracks back on. The rest of us stayed put and our commanders engaged targets as best we could to try and support those on the ground. In the end when we could not retreat from the beach we surrendered and I spent the next 3 years as a POW. While I was in the camp I got word that two of my brothers were killed, one at the Normandy landings near Caen and the other over in Italy. My biggest fear was I worried about my mom before I was liberated. She had lost 2 of her three sons and her husband had also died. When I got home like most of us I knew we had to work so I worked for a long time. I live in Calgary and I have a close friend who was in the same unit as me and was also a POW and we see each other a lot and sometimes we talk about the war. At least we came home.”

    After this visit to Dieppe and my personal talks with these 4 Veterans as well as meeting with the daughter of L Col Merritt, South Saskatchewan Regiment Commanding Officer and Victoria Cross winner I was impressed by the humble attitudes, their ability over the years to cope with and to work a healthy life upon return home to Canada.
    I also recall one of the history stories where a German Major was on the beach and a Canadian soldier was standing in front of three of his soldiers as they ordered this Canadian to put his hands up. He had no weapon and he stood looking at the Major and his men. The Major spoke and told the soldiers not to shoot as the soldier turned about and faced the beach. For a few moments, the Canadian saluted and held the salute for a time and then dropped his arm. He turned to face his captors with tears streaming down his face and surrendered himself.

    Another story during the 70th Commemoration when a Canadian woman was in the Dieppe cemetery she saw an older man in his 70’s or 80’s who was crying at one end of the grounds. She went over and asked him if he was alright. Through his tears he said, ” I remember when these brave Canadians landed on the beaches, I was 10 and I stood on the hill as they were being massacred on the beaches by the Germans.” “I was helpless and could not help, but I knew then that we had not been forgotten, but I could do nothing to help, I’m sorry.”
    All the stories certainly make you understand not only the cost of war to soldiers but as well the cost to humanity.

    So, history has shown that Indigenous peoples from across Canada including First Nations, Metis and possibly Inuit have served this country well in times of war. Most government officials do not go back from before Confederation but rather only talk about the two World Wars, Korea, Peacekeeping and Afghanistan as the contributions made by our peoples. History has a different take on that with our peoples being the main reason why Canada is geographically the way it is because of the War of 1812. We have earned a prominent place in Canada’s history and it appears that with this year’s solemn inclusion of our culture we may very well be seeing that recognition coming. To witness our culture on display and to also be included in the main ceremonies to say the act of remembrance on Michif was more than an honour for me personally and to be with Veterans Percy Joe who at a second ceremony gave the act of remembrance in his First Nation language and also Veteran Brian Cyr from MNC will be a memory that will not dissipate anytime soon. I will have to say, in conclusion, that it appears that the present government is working hard in its efforts to have more inclusion of its indigenous community including veterans in all commemorative events. We need to make sure this does not lose its way regardless of who holds power in the wigwam on the hill.

    Picture of Sgt Moogly Tetrault-Hamel, the Eagle Staff Carrier, Brian Cyr MNC Veteran, Percy Joe, AFN Veteran and President of AVA Robert Thibeau.

    Picture of Brian Cyr, Robert Thibeau, VIP and Sgt Moogly Tetrault-Hamel, the Eagle Staff Carrier