Calgary, Alberta
Mr. Ed Borchert is a Métis Elder who works tirelessly in support of the interests of Canada's Aboriginal People. A retired Veteran of the Canadian Forces, Mr. Borchert is currently President of the National Métis Veterans Association. A strong advocate for issues involving Aboriginal People including Veterans, Mr. Borchert authored the Métis Veterans Outreach Program, and has been involved in a variety of research projects dealing with traditional knowledge and ethics, health and well-being of Aboriginal People, and child and family support systems. During the Year of the Veteran, Mr. Borchert was a member of the Aboriginal Veterans Working Group which provided guidance to Veterans Affairs Canada in planning and organizing the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey which took place in October 2005. It was Mr. Borchert's vision and unwavering determination that resulted in the unfolding of the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey, a significant recognition of the contribution of Canada's First Peoples in times of war.