Category: Recent News

Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones Statement on Senator Murray Sinclair’s Legacy
The Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) solemnly acknowledges the profound impact and enduring legacy of Senator Murray Sinclair, a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada.
Senator Sinclair’s life work embodied the warrior spirit that we, as Indigenous veterans, hold dear. His unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and reconciliation has left an indelible mark on our nation’s conscience and has paved the way for a more equitable future for Indigenous peoples.
As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Sinclair courageously confronted the painful history of residential schools, giving voice to survivors and illuminating a path toward healing. His 94 Calls to Action serve as a roadmap for reconciliation, challenging all Canadians to participate in the journey toward understanding and respect.
Senator Sinclair’s achievements resonate deeply with our mission at AVA. His work in educating Canadians about Indigenous history and culture aligns with our efforts to honour the contributions of Indigenous veterans and preserve our rich heritage. His advocacy in the Senate for legislative changes mirrors our ongoing fight for recognition and support for Indigenous veterans.
We, the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, commit to carrying forward Senator Sinclair’s legacy. We pledge to continue the vital work of reconciliation, to stand firm in the face of injustice, and to strive for a Canada where Indigenous peoples are truly equal partners in Confederation.
Senator Murray Sinclair’s life serves as an inspiration to all Indigenous peoples, reminding us of our resilience, our wisdom, and our capacity to effect change. His words will forever echo in our hearts: “Education is what got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.”
As we honour Senator Sinclair’s memory, we call upon all Canadians to reflect on his teachings, to embrace the spirit of reconciliation, and to work tirelessly toward a future of mutual respect, understanding, and equality.
May the wisdom, courage, and compassion of Senator Murray Sinclair continue to guide us as we move forward on the path of healing and reconciliation. His legacy lives on in every step we take toward a more just and inclusive Canada

Thursday, November 7th 2024
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will be hosting a Veterans Feast for all Veterans and current serving members.  You may bring a guest with you.
Event timings as follows.  Please note that you are requested to register…
Date is 7 November 2024
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Timing: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Registration is so that numbers are  known for the ordering of the food.
Please register via email to: reception@odawa.on.ca

Friday, November 8th 2024
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is holding a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Confederation Park, Ottawa Ontario.
The Ceremony will commence at 11:00am.  Guests are asked to arrive by 10:45am.  If you plan to lay a wreath, please let the MC know.

(le français suit)

Dear Stakeholders,

Today, I released Service after Service: The National Veterans Employment Strategy. The Government of Canada will work with partners across the government, for profit and not-for-profit organizations to improve Veteran employment opportunities across the country.

We have already started working on initiatives related to our four strategic objectives:

Improving services and expanding programs for Veterans
Creating and recognizing Veteran ready employers
Positioning the public service as a leader for Veteran employment
Building trusted partnerships

Thank you to all who participated in the many consultations over the past two years. This strategy would not have been possible without your valuable feedback.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

*************************************

Bonjour,

Aujourd’hui, j’ai donné le coup d’envoi à Servir après le service : La Stratégie nationale d’emploi pour les vétérans et les vétéranes. Le gouvernement du Canada travaillera avec des partenaires du gouvernement ainsi que des organismes à but lucratif et sans but lucratif afin d’améliorer les possibilités d’emploi des vétérans et vétéranes partout au pays.

Nous avons déjà commencé à travailler sur des initiatives liées à nos quatre objectifs stratégiques :

Améliorer les services et élargir les programmes destinés aux vétérans et vétéranes
Créer et reconnaître des employeurs prêts à accueillir des vétérans et vétéranes
Positionner la fonction publique en tant que chef de file pour l’emploi des vétérans et vétéranes
Établir des partenariats de confiance

Merci à toutes les personnes qui ont participé aux nombreuses consultations au cours des deux dernières années. Cette stratégie n’aurait pas été possible sans vos précieux commentaires.

Cordialement,

L’honorable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, C.P., députée

Ministre des Anciens Combattants et ministre associée de la Défense nationale

Honourary Capt (N) Deb Eissan Investiture Ceremony

Written by LCol (Ret’d) Chantal Fraser

On Monday June 21, 2021 I had the honour to be one of the AVA members to witness Chief Petty Officer 2^nd Class (retired) Deborah Eisan being presented with her Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Honorary Captain (Navy) Scroll and Pins.

Debbie is an Ojibway Anishinabe kwe from Batchewana First Nation. She was formerly appointed as an Honorary Captain (Navy) of the Royal Canadian Navy on the 19th October 2020. HCapt(N) Eisan is affiliated with the future Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/fleet-units/aops-brooke.page  – scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy summer 2021.

I met Debbie over a decade ago, through the work she was doing with the Department of National Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG). She was a vocal supporter of all Indigenous peoples interested in, serving with, and veterans of, the Canadian military. Debbie supported the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) programs to help Indigenous youth experience what Human Resources professionals call a Realistic Job Preview.

Debbie gently used her circles of influence to ensure that the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Plan (CFAEP), the summer programs called Bold Eagle, Raven and Black Bear, and the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY) received support, helping participants learn new skills they could use in whatever future they chose.

Debbie continued to support the programs as a veteran, as she expanded her circles of influence to help even more Indigenous peoples thrive.  Debbie now plays an important role as the Community Events Planner at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.

Lots of important people shared congratulatory messages during the ceremony.  I’m sure the Navy will share their names and ranks.

The parts I was most interested in were the support and words of encouragement from Raymond Sewell who started the ceremony by drumming and singing the Mi’kmaq Honour song for Debbie, the congratulations from Chief Dean Sayers, Chief of Batchewana First Nations, and Debbie’s speech.

I was also thrilled to see Petty Officer 1^st Class (PO1) Katrina Stewart, a Boatswain in the RCN from the Nisga’a Nation of New Aiyansh, British Columbia, serving as the flag bearer. Katrina graduated from the CAF Indigenous Pre-Recruit Training program known as CFAEP and has served in the Navy for 19 years.

HCapt(N) Debbie Eisan spoke about the dream that led her to join the Canadian military. She also spoke about the dream she and PO2 Innis had of creating an Eagle Staff for Indigenous peoples serving in the CAF.

Debbie ended off her speech with words of wisdom, that I’ve tried to capture here “Dreams do come, not always in the way you expect, in ways only the creator can explain. If we open our eyes and watch for signals, we’ll achieve our dreams.”

As a woman veteran, what struck me as particularly appropriate is that Debbie is HCapt(N) for the HMCS Margaret Brooke an Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) who’s first Commanding Officer also happens to be a woman, Commander Nicole Robichaud.

Miigwetch, Marsee, Merci, Qujannamiik, All our relations Debbie!

Caption:

Eagle staff with Bearer PO1 Katrina Stewart, HCapt(N) Debbie Eisan, CD and Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, CD, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic.

Alt text:

Photo of Debbie Eisan being presented her Honourary Captain (Navy) scroll. From left to right Eagle staff with Bearer PO1 Katrina Stewart, Honourary Captain (Navy) Debbie Eisan, CD, and Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, CD, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic. Canadian and Royal Canadian Navy flags displayed in the background.

Caption:

Chief Dean Sayers, Chief of Batchewana First Nations, member of the Crane clan

Alt text:

Chief Dean Sayers, Chief of Batchewana First Nations, wearing a ceremonial headdress decorated with cranes. Four drums and a painting of a crane are displayed on the wall behind him.

Caption:

Donna Frizzell, Director of the Mi’kmaw Child Development Centre, Raymond Sewell with his drum, H Capt(N) Debbie Eisan, and PO1 Katrina Stewart bearing the CAF Eagle staff

Alt text:

From left to right: Donna Frizzell wearing her long hair loose and a dark dress, Raymond Sewell wearing a ceremonial red shirt with light ribbons and detailing displaying his drum, Honourary Captain (Navy) Debbie Eisan wearing her dress uniform including medals, and Petty Officer 1^st Class Katrina Stewart wearing her dress uniform and bearing the CAF Eagle staff. The Eagle staff includes the flags for all provinces and territories in the lands we call Canada sewn on a red cloth, eagle feathers, leather and wood. Canadian and Royal Canadian Navy flags displayed in the background.

Caption:

HCapt(N) Debbie Eisan, and PO1 Katrina Stewart bearing the CAF Eagle staff

Alt text:

From left to right: Honourary Captain (Navy) Debbie Eisan wearing her dress uniform including medals, and Petty Officer 1^st Class Katrina Stewart wearing her dress uniform and bearing the CAF Eagle staff. The Eagle staff includes the flags for all provinces and territories in the lands we call Canada sewn on a red cloth, eagle feathers, leather and wood. Canadian and Royal Canadian Navy flags displayed in the background.

June 2021 Newsletter Final 3

Hi Bob,

Thank you for getting back to me!

I checked again and I still don’t see our link (https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/resources/support-groups/) on your page, I only see this resource (https://www.asbestos.com/veterans/).

If your IT department can include our page (https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/resources/support-groups/) as well then I would be happy to include your link on our page. Please let me know if we can accomplish this.

Have an outstanding day!

Erin Anderson – Advocacy Associate
https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/
1330 Boylston Street, Suite 400
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(855) 722-2974

From: Angela Keeling Colkitt Sent: June 21, 2021 2:26 PM To: Veterans Organizations Subject: VAC membership – Minister’s Advisory Group

Good afternoon,

I have been asked to share the following information with you.  Please see below.

VAC is updating the membership of the Minister’s Advisory Groups and we are sharing this link in the hopes that you will share it with your network so that the Department may receive a number of applicants:

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/what-we-do/public-engagement/advisory-groups/apply

There are 6 Advisory groups and applicants can indicate which one they have an interest in. 

In comradeship,

 

Angela Keeling Colkitt

Executive Assistant / Adjointe Exécutive

 

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The Royal Canadian Legion – National Headquarters

Le siège de La Légion royale canadienne

86 Aird Place, Ottawa, K2L 0A1

T: 613-591-3335 ext 244

War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should have validated MedicAlert bracelets stating that they have a combat-related illness, said the decorated survivor of an RPG attack and subsequent firefight.

Sean Teal, a wounded veteran who served four eventful tours in Afghanistan and earned the military’s second-highest award for valour, struggled with physical pain and mental health issues until he was ushered out of the army in 2014. Then his problems got worse.

“It’s hard to get sympathy or empathy from people who can’t relate.”

He said civilian doctors unfamiliar with his experience overseas and the stresses of combat all but ignored his military medical files and perpetuated a cycle of treatment that eventually rendered him a “slug,” unable to eat, sleep or function.

“You’re judged immediately because you’re a veteran,” Teal said in an interview with Legion Magazine. “It’s hard to get sympathy or empathy from people who can’t relate.”

He said civilian doctors have continually asked him why the military isn’t handling his case and are content to prescribe antidepressants and other drugs before sending him out the door. “I don’t think they get how bad it is. I mean, when you’re on the floor and you barely have the strength to dial 911, that’s terrible.”

It was so bad that Teal—who’s still dealing with head and back injuries from the 2006 blast that killed his warrant officer, Rick Nolan—said he stopped trusting the system. The Cole Harbour, N.S., native believes MedicAlert bracelets could help civilians both in and out of the health-care system better address the cases confronting them.

“Before you’re released from the military, you should have a MedicAlert bracelet that says ‘PTSD,’ what conflict and whatever, with a phone number, because when you’re lying on the ground paralyzed, and you can’t speak, those people should be able to verify that, yes, this person did stuff, he is messed up and, if you don’t believe the words coming out of his mouth, you call this number,” he said.

The bracelets are issued by MedicAlert Foundation Canada, which also provides around-the-clock family notification services and a hotline through which paramedics, police and other first-responders can get access to subscribers’ detailed medical profiles, including lists of prescribed drugs.

The 60-year-old organization provides subsidized services to veterans, including partial or full financial assistance for MedicAlert IDs and service plans. The website doesn’t list PTSD or related medications, but a staffer at the foundation call centre said there’s nothing stopping PTSD sufferers from receiving bracelets and other services. The process starts with a phone call.

“People have them for diabetes; people have them for other injuries,” said Teal, who has made multiple trips to the emergency room due to his condition. “PTSD is as real as any other injury and we should have a MedicAlert bracelet.”

Some 40,000 Canadian military personnel served in Afghanistan for more than 12 years. While no official figures exist, thousands are believed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries. Dozens of Afghanistan war vets have committed suicide.

“It’s a shitty go because I don’t think they were ready for that level of people coming in with PTSD. And I also don’t think they were equipped. Even with all the money in the world and all the doctors, they couldn’t come up with a solution that kept people in [the military] without twisting them up.”

It took Teal years to admit he had mental health issues. He said others recognized he had a problem long before he did and, even after he realized it following his third tour, he didn’t want to deal with it. Like so many other soldiers, he feared acknowledging the problem would cost him his career.

“You have to lie to the system to keep your job,” he said, adding that, while the stigma surrounding mental health issues inside the military appears to have improved, it’s not cured. “You know when you’re going in there, you’re giving up.

“Once you go into Mental Health, it’s like turning yourself into the cops.”

For a long time, Afghanistan was the only place he felt he belonged.

Teal and his wife Sarah, herself a veteran of two Afghanistan tours, live with their three daughters in an isolated home outside Stewiacke, N.S., 70 kilometres north of Halifax. He figures that, by telling his story, he might help others.

Sean Teal with wife Sarah and children Olivia, 9, Abigail, 3, and Caitlin, 1.

Fifteen years after he fought his way out of a Taliban ambush, saving the lives of his interpreter and the platoon medic, Teal still can’t get a full night’s sleep and avoids the public as much as possible.

For a long time, Afghanistan was the only place he felt he belonged—the place where he knew he made a difference, where he was constantly hyperaware, where death was always just a sniper’s bullet, rocket-propelled grenade or improvised explosive device away.

Back home, he felt nothing; he could muster no feelings of happiness or sadness, no enthusiasm for life. People’s mundane existences and trivial complaints bored and angered him.

He was drinking, taking meds by the fistful. His comrades-in-arms, who had nicknamed him “the Battle Hobbit,” were no longer in touch. The uniform was no longer on his back. He felt “naked” without a weapon in his hands.

No one seemed to understand. Crowds agitated his condition, so he avoided them. “I live a life full of avoidance,” he said.

He had finished his 12-year military career as a master corporal, relegated to a menial job that only exacerbated his depression and diminished his self-worth. He hated everyone and everything.

“What they don’t tell you is that when you walk out that door, you’re not going to get the same level of health care that you had on the inside. You’re starting over again. They don’t know anything about the military and you can’t expect them to.

“It sucks.”

From the start, he said, both military and, later, civilian doctors were “fishing in the dark,” experimenting with different dosages and combinations of drugs to treat his symptoms. His mind fell apart before his body. PTSD “turns you inside out.”

“It started off good,” said Teal, “but it ended really, really bad for me.

“They’re throwing drugs at you, but they don’t know what’s going to work; they don’t know what’s going to give you serious side-effects and, once you go on these things, you can wind up with a whole other set of problems.

“They’re setting you up for disaster.”

The drugs—antipsychotics and antidepressants—didn’t help him eat or sleep, and they failed to stabilize his mental health. So the doctors boosted his dosages, ultimately turning him into a half-sedated “slug.”

“They keep adding more and more because they’re not getting the result they want—and I’m not getting the result I want,” he said. “Yet they somehow think that by increasing your dosages it’s going to somehow make you better.

“So by becoming a slug—and that’s what you become, a slug—you’re not hurting anyone and you’re not hurting yourself but somehow they think this is progress. They really believe that, as long as you’re not hurting yourself, you can push through this, which is complete horseshit.”

Teal was getting barely three hours of sleep a night. His wife was on a posting in Ottawa. He was on his own, literally crawling to his bed. He was hallucinating and hearing voices. His mental state was compounding his physical issues.

“PTSD is a bombshell. And you spend your whole life picking up the pieces.”

He was seeing different clinicians, and they weren’t talking to one another.

He ended up overdosing. That trauma and the love of a devoted family got him through. That, along with music: the weapon that saved his life in this fight, he said, was a guitar. Now he lives on a disability pension and he’s moving on, one day at a time.

“PTSD is a bombshell. And you spend your whole life picking up the pieces,” he said.

Teal said soldiers need to be given the freedom to say what’s wrong with the military while they’re still soldiers, without fear of retribution.

“If they see a lot of the same things being said, now at least they know what’s wrong. And until they have that sort of honesty, without retribution, they’ll never be able to fix the problem.”

Further thoughts from Sean Teal:

Would you help us spread awareness by linking our website below, on your page here – http://avavets.com/links/?

Have a wonderful day,

Aldan May
Advocacy Support
https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/
1330 Boylston St. Suite #400
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(877) 404-9992

Don’t want emails from us anymore? Reply to this email with the word “remove” in the subject line.

On Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 3:54 PM, Aidan May <aidan@mesotheliomaveterans.org> wrote:

Hello Bob,

I came across Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones and noticed your organization does a terrific job in providing information, support and resources for your website visitors. Mesothelioma Veterans Center is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.

Our pages are medically reviewed and verified by certified oncologists and hematologists, and provide the most current and detailed information about the asbestos industry and its health impacts.

It is our mission to raise awareness and reach those who may need our assistance. Would you help us in achieving our mission by including our resource https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/ to this page here – http://avavets.com/links/?. Thank you again for your time and consideration!

Have a wonderful day,
Aldan May
Advocacy Support
https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/
1330 Boylston St. Suite #400
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(877) 404-9992