Mr. Barry Marchand is a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces and is a Métis elder. He frequently gives talks in schools and other forums explaining how serving in the Forces has had a positive effect on his life. Mr. Marchand was a student in the residential day school system and was in and out of several foster homes and group homes as a youth. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at age 19 and believes that this decision saved his life. He is a strong advocate of joining the Forces, explaining the opportunities the service can provide and encouraging aboriginal men and women to consider joining the service as an option. Mr. Marchand started a “Pet for Vets” campaign and recently began volunteering to provide peer mentor support for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, in partnership with The Home Depot. Together they provide free trade skills workshops for street youth and homeless Veterans.