Captain (Retired) Robert Thibeau is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces with almost 38 years of service. He is nominated for his work with Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) and as a member of the Veterans Affairs Canada Mental Health Advisory Group.
He is a founding member of the AVA and has served as National President for over six years. He has testified numerous times before the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs on issues faced by all Veterans. He coordinated and provided guidance for a cross country town hall tour for the AVA to meet with Veterans in Indigenous communities. He has also represented Aboriginal Veterans at commemorative ceremonies overseas and has conducted or helped organize ceremonies for fallen Aboriginal service members.
He has served on the Mental Health Advisory Group at Veterans Affairs Canada since 2016. He is a strong advocate for change to the New Veterans Charter and has worked with other organizations such as True Patriot Love, Veterans Transition Network and the Legion to help move issues forward.
Capt. Thibeau was involved with Indigenous programs during his service in the Canadian Armed Forces and continues to engage youth cultural awareness programs within the military community. He worked with the Veterans Consultation Assembly and is a great source of counsel for other Veterans’ organizations when concerning community and cultural relations.