Category: President’s Corner

On behalf of Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA), and in my role as President, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped organize and support the 25th Anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument ceremony, held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, 21 June 2025, during the Summer Solstice.

This anniversary was more than a commemoration, it was a powerful moment of remembrance, pride, and unity. Together, we honoured the courage and sacrifice of Indigenous Veterans and Indigenous serving members who have answered the call of duty across generations.

I extend special thanks to:

• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for its continued commitment to recognizing and supporting Veterans and their families.
• The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for its leadership, participation, and steadfast partnership.
• The Canadian Rangers, whose presence reflected the strength of communities and the enduring spirit of service.
• Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, for the honour of your participation and your words.
• The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, for your continued support and long-standing dedication to Veterans and to reconciliation.
• John Jewitt, AVA Secretary, for your tireless work behind the scenes and your commitment to AVA’s mission; and
• Elder Aurel Dubé, for welcoming all participants with generosity, dignity, and wisdom, grounding this gathering in respect and tradition.

We also acknowledge, with gratitude and humility, that this ceremony took place on Algonquin Territory. We thank the Algonquin people and the host community for allowing us to gather, remember, and honour the fallen on this land.

To all Veterans, serving personnel, families, community members, and supporters who attended: thank you. Your presence carried meaning. Your respect strengthened the moment. Your commitment helps ensure that the stories, contributions, and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans are never forgotten.

May we continue this work, together, with truth, with respect, and with lasting recognition.

With gratitude,

Robert Thibeau

President, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA)

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
Annual General Meeting
20 June 2026

Location: NCR Officers Mess, 149 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H7
Participants: All AVA Members
AGM Scheduling and Venue
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Ottawa is scheduled to take place in Ottawa on 20 June 2026.
Meeting timings: 10:00hrs 20 June 2026
Meeting Venue: NCR Officers Mess, 149 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H7
Check the AVA website for updates

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Agenda

1. Call to order
2. Land acknowledgement
3. Opening remarks and welcome
4. Approval of agenda
5. Approval of previous AGM minutes
6. President’s report
7. Treasurer’s report
   – Financial statements
   – Budget overview
8. Committee and program reports
   – Membership
   – Events and outreach
   – Veterans support and advocacy
9. Old business
10. New business
11. Elections and appointments
    – Nominations
    – Voting
    – Announcement of results
12. Resolutions and motions
    – By-Law Amendment
13. Open floor and questions
14. Announcements
    – Upcoming meetings and events
15. Adjournment

National Aboriginal Veterans Monument
25th Commemoration Ceremony
21 June 2026 Ottawa, Ontario

The Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) cordially invites you to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa, Ontario. This ceremony honours a quarter-century since the monument’s unveiling and pays tribute to the legacy of The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, who, as Canada’s Governor General, presided over the historic dedication.

We are are pleased to extend an invitation to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada to attend this significant event.

Significance of the Monument

The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument represents all Indigenous Veterans from across Canada who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Their service encompasses:

· Both World Wars
· The Korean War
· Afghanistan
· Numerous peacekeeping and peace-making missions

This ceremony honours those who rest in graves on foreign soil, those interred throughout Turtle Island, and celebrates Indigenous warriors who continue to serve, following the path laid by their predecessors.

Event Schedule
AGM: Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
Location: Ottawa, Ontario Lord Elgin Hotel
Time: 1000 hrs

All AVA members are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting, which will address significant issues and provide opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and meaningful connection within the community.

Official Commemorative Ceremony
Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Location: National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, Ottawa, Ontario
Time: 1030 hrs

Participation in both events is highly recommended for all members, reinforcing the importance of unity and collective remembrance.

Dress Code
· Business attire is recommended for all attendees
· Veterans are invited and encouraged to wear their medals
· Serving military officers and current members are expected to attend in dress uniform 1A

RSVP Information
To facilitate event planning, please confirm your attendance no later than Monday, 15 June 2026.

Contact:
Mr. John Jewitt, Program Coordinator
Telephone: 613-324-9437
Email: jhjewitt@gmail.com

As we gather in the sacred spirit of this holiday season, Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones extends our warmest wishes to all veterans, serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and families.

We acknowledge that this past year has brought many challenges. Some of our brothers and sisters in arms have faced health struggles, financial hardships, and the profound loss of loved ones. To those who feel the weight of loneliness during this season, know that you are not alone – you are forever part of our military family.

Like our ancestors who found strength in the darkest of winters, we too shall persevere. Your service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country continue to inspire us. The warrior spirit that lives within each of you is a testament to your resilience.

As we look toward 2025, we carry hope in our hearts. Hope for healing, for renewed strength, and for the continued brotherhood and sisterhood that binds us together. Let us remember that just as the sun returns to warm the earth after winter, brighter days lie ahead.

During this holiday season, we invite you to reach out – to share stories, to support one another, and to celebrate the bonds that make our military community strong. Whether you celebrate around a Christmas tree or honor different traditions, may you find peace, comfort, and joy.

To our veterans, serving members, and families: You are valued, you are remembered, and you are cherished. Together, we stand strong, ready to face whatever challenges the New Year may bring.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season and a promising New Year.

With deep respect and gratitude,

Robert Thibeau, CD

President Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones

National Defence Headquarters
Ottawa, Ontario
K1AOK2

Mr. Robert Thibeau, CD
President
Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
1201 Atkinson Street
Kingston, ON
K7P OE1

Dear Robert,

Thank you for your kind letter congratulating me on my appointment as the Chief of the Defence Staff. I am humbled and honoured to have been selected for the position.

It is truly a privilege to lead the Canadian Armed Forces. Building on previous successes, I intend to focus· on implementing Our North Strong and Free, supporting Reconstitution efforts, and supporting recruiting initiatives to increase the number of Canadian Armed Forces members. I also recognize the importance of continuing to recognize and support our many Veterans and I would like to especially thank you for your service in assisting Indigenous Veterans.

In an uncertain world, the Canadian Armed Forces must be a reliable, credible institution, capable of responding to the needs of our government. I look forward to collaborating with our many partners in facing challenges and continuing to develop new relationships, both domestically and abroad. Your best wishes and kind sentiments are truly appreciated.

Sincerely,
M.A.J. Carignan
General
National Defence

SEE PDF

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