Category: President’s Corner

It is that time of year once again that we pause and reflect on our Aboriginal Veterans in the Spirit of Remembrance.  We remember all those who fought, were wounded and we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in countless battles and conflicts where we stood shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters of Canada prior to and beyond Confederation.  We as First Nations, Metis & Inuit have a great deal to be proud of for the services paid to this great country.  As Aboriginals we have served in all conflicts with dignity, pride, integrity, loyalty and courage.  From the War of 1812, where we were the deciding factor for moving Canada to nationhood, we have taken part in all wars and conflicts and we have been a part of peacekeeping and peacemaking operations, standing side by side with our non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

 

During our service we were equal.  We shared the hardships and the good times as soldiers, sailors and airmen and women.  We volunteered for service with the crown and proved our tenacity, will to win and will to succeed in all operations.  We did and continue the legacy of our ancestors as proud and gifted warriors.  For those who we lost we solemnly remember them and will continue to honour them through our spiritual prayers to Creator.  Words cannot console those feelings of loss of those who died during the horrors of war they will never be forgotten. We also offer words to all of those whom we stood side by side and we are proud to call thgose brothers and sisters our comrades in arms.

 

It is this time of the year that we must put all political differences and issues aside and that we not engage in any political rhetoric during this extremely important day. We cannot lose the focus on exactly what this day means and the importance of Remembering all Veterans both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.  I ask everyone to join with me on Remembrance Day as well honour our brave warriors who never came home and we ask the Creator to take their souls into his care in the Spirit World.

Our organization has been keeping busy over the past year leading into 2019.  We have established ourselves on 3 Advisory Boards of Veterans Affairs Canada and although it may appear little has been accomplished by the government, we have managed to see some movement on the issues.  I would recommend that all members keep looking to our website for information.

 

I wish to thank John Jewitt, on behalf of all members, for the extremely hard work he has done over the

past 2 months to give our website its new look.  I know it looks more professional and he will ensure that it is updated or upgraded as required.  I would ask all Directors to send writeups and pictures of activities and events in your area so that we can display them on the website for everyone to see.  Also, regarding John, he was honoured at the Silver Cross Luncheon with the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award which recognizes his work with the Legion on a host of projects, offering sound advice on Aboriginal protocols and reaching out to all Veterans.  He provided advice and guidance in the development and desing to the  2013 Year of the Aboriginal Veteran Legion pin which has turned out to be the best selling pin produced by the Legion

 

 

Recently myself, John Jewitt, Devin Beaudry and Debbie Eisan were invited to a meeting in Winnipeg with the Veterans Transition Network.  They are trying to institute and Aboriginal component to their program which will help our Veterans and hopefully other non-Aboriginal Veterans.  The discussions centered on ensuring that what they do is in direct consultation with our Veterans (AVA) as well as respected and recognized Elders from all 3 of the groups on Canada.  I believe this will take time for them to create a meaningful program which answers the needs of transitioning members of the CAF and will assist those who may suffer from physical and/ or mental injuries.

 

I have been invited to attend the National PTSD conference being held in Ottawa in early April.  This is being sponsored by the Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.   This is key to any development of strategy to deal with PTSD and also suicides within the Veterans community, CAF, Fire Fighter, Police and other EMS agencies.  This is a start and we should be extremely happy that AVA has been invited.

 

I would ask our membership to continue working hard and should there be a need or requirement that requires my direct input do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations

 

Robert Thibeau, CD

 

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

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

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