Author: Bob

Mr. Robert Thibeau, CD

President,

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones

1201 Atkinson Street

Kingston, ON K7P 0E1

 

This is an open letter,

The RCMP Veterans Association recently published an opinion letter on their website called “My Canada – is it Your Canada?” authored by Iwona Mooney. This letter was subsequently removed after being exposed by APTN as a prime example of the racist attitudes and prejudice which are still held by some RCMP veterans and members.

AVA’s first reaction was to be appalled and infuriated. The AVA Executive took a few days to research what happened before responding, because we wanted to avoid a knee jerk reaction.

We learned that this piece was published on the RCMP National Veterans’ Association website on July 7, at least a week after it was written, as the article starts with the words “July 1 is just around the corner.”

We learned that retired RCMP sergeant Bruce Pitt-Payne, a non-Indigenous man, reported the article to APTN, whose news coverage states that Bruce ‘became alarmed at the “absolute gross misrepresentation” of what the residential schools were meant to do to Indigenous communities in Canada.’

The APTN coverage quoted Bruce as saying “It was minimized to being institutions of education as opposed to the oppression that came out in Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” he said. “I was extremely offended by phrases such as get on with life and stop dwelling on it.”

After APTN published their July 9 article “RCMP Veterans’ Association post says ‘get on with life,’ move on from residential schools” the opinion piece was removed from the National RCMP Veterans’ Association website, but remained available on the RCMP Veterans’ Association Vancouver website for a while longer.

On July 13, the Communications Director for the National RCMP Veterans’ Association published a Statement regarding the original opinion article https://rcmpva.org/statement-regarding-the-opinion-article-my-canada-is-it-your-canada/

While we understand the difference between an opinion piece and an article written by a member of an Executive, we are disappointed by how the RCMP Veterans’ Association handled this entire matter.  The RCMP Veterans’ Association may not have “solicited nor endorsed” the opinion piece, however they could have declined to publish it.

Publishing this opinion piece seems to us to be a poor judgement call, particularly given the RCMPs role in removing children from Indigenous families and bringing them to Residential schools.

On May 19, 2004, Giuliano Zaccardelli, then Canada’s Commissioner for the RCMP apologized to First Nations communities for the “personal pain and distress” of abuse during the time that Indigenous children were forced into residential schools and stripped of their culture. He said “That is the history that cannot be forgotten but must be overcome.”

Publishing this opinion piece, which some of the RCMP Veterans’ Association’s own members were appalled by, shows a poor understanding of the grief that many people in Canada, from all backgrounds, are experiencing as more unmarked graves are being found and reported.

We don’t feel it’s necessary to reiterate the finding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.  Although we have included a link https://nctr.ca/ to the TRC findings and Calls to Action for those who have not yet read them, or who feel in need of a refresher.

We urge all veterans in Canada to take a close look at the historical facts that are coming to light and the impact this attempted genocide has had on generations of Indigenous peoples and communities.

We need all of people in Canada to stand shoulder to shoulder to heal the wounds of the past and then and only then can we move forward, together for a better life for all.

AVA is calling for leaders at all levels of veterans’ associations and organizations supporting veterans in Canada to step up and be mindful of the climate we’re living in.

We’re calling on leaders to understand and accept the consequences, albeit sometimes unintended consequences, of publishing inflammatory materials.

 

We’ve all served Canada, we know we can do better. We call on you as leaders, to join the fight against systemic racism in Canada.

 

President & Members of AVA

Please refer to PTSD and Some Options for Therapy – Centre of Excellence on PTSD (veteransmentalhealth.ca)

Robert Thibeau

President

All

VAC is preparing a written article for release sometime this year and I received a call from VAC looking for pictures of women and their service

To me this is a long time in coming to recognize the service of our women and their contributions and sacrifices. I would ask that women in AVA consider sending one picture which could be action or dressy pics of your service. The pictures will be put into a collage with other women from the CAF.  If interested please send me your submissions and I will forward to VAC.

Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations

Bob

All,

 I received this document this morning and spoke with Nishika Jardine (OVO) and the summary looks at benefits for family members who are affected by mental health issues.  As you read through this and you feel something needs clarification please ask.  My concern with our Veterans and families is for those living in isolated & Rural areas who as a community may or do not have access to mental health professionals.  Also, in the case of Indigenous Peoples we need to clarify the definition of family.  I know that in some communities families are inclusive of Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles etc.  In any case if you think of anything please send it to me.  I am preparing a letter to address problems of communication for Indigenous communities and how we can improve VAC participation in rectifying the issue.     

 Miigwetch, Marsee. Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations

 Bob

Veterans Ombudsman des Veterans

*Le français suit*

INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY

Report on Mental Health Treatment Benefits for Family Members, In Their Own Right, for Conditions Related to Military Service

 What was this investigation about?

Recognizing that barriers continue to exist for family members of Veterans seeking access to mental health treatment benefits, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) investigated and prepared a formal report on this matter. Building on our previous recommendation in 2016 to provide mental health treatment benefits to family members in their own right, this report provides evidence indicating that a Veteran’s service can have a mental health impact for some spouses and children.  VAC provides limited mental health treatment to spouses and children, but only when their treatment is linked to the treatment plan of the Veteran, effectively creating a barrier for those family members to the mental health care they are due. Families – spouses and children who are experiencing mental health issues as a direct result of being part of a military family should have independent access to treatment benefits.

What did the investigation involve?

The investigation involved an in-depth examination of existing studies, reports, policies, legislation and regulations, evaluations, and statistics.  It assessed the impact that the unique conditions and challenges of military service may have on families, including frequent relocations and postings, separations due to deployment and the risks inherent in military service.

 What did the investigation find?

 Families should have barrier-free access to mental health treatment benefits when their condition is connected military service.

All Members of AVA,

This year has been exceptionally interesting and challenging year for our Veterans, their families and all Canadians.  Covid-19 has certainly hit the global community with hope in sight for the New Year. Even though we have been isolating we all are playing our part looking out for each other and our community Elders whom we do not want to lose to Covid-19.  This year has been especially difficult for us as our friend, Elder and Veteran Joseph Paquette passed away early in the New Year and he will be missed.  As an update for everyone, AVA has been asked to place members on the new Centre of Excellence for PTSD Advisory boards, the Ombudsman Policy Advisory Group and I thank Shauna Mulligan, Tim O’Loan and Floyd Powder for their accepting these positions on behalf of all Veterans.  With AVA on these Advisory Groups, it allows us to put forward any and all concerns of members so that we have the opportunity to provide positive input to get the best results for Veterans.  There is also a Peer Support Advocate training designed to teach how to better deal with someone who suffers from PTSD or other Mental Illness and how to help Veterans recover effectively and to have them become a success after the trauma.  The training will commence again in the New Year and anyone wishing to attend the one-day free online course let one of the executives know of your intentions.  Of note, Chief Wendy Jocko of the Pikwakanagan First Nation near CFB Petawawa, who is also a member of AVA is a part of the VAC Covid-19 task force.  Wendy not only is looking after Veterans, but also is looking out for the safety of her community during these uncertain times.

At this time of year, we celebrate through our own traditional ways and in some cases that means we celebrate the Christian Holiday of Christmas.  As Indigenous Veterans we respect all hose cultures who celebrate this season, and we hope that soon all religions and people of faith begin to understand that we are from the human race and need to work together for the good of humanity.  We thank the Creator for his guidance over the year 2020 and ask him to continue to watch over us.  Please take this time to spend your holiday with close family and Stay Safe.  I hope the season will be one of happiness and joy.  My friends, fellow Veterans and families my wife, Rose and I extend you a Very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2021.

 

Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All My Respect

Robert Thibeau, CD

President