Aboriginal Canadians

Heroes Remember

Aboriginal Canadians

Transcript

Some of our most decorated Veterans are aboriginal people. The native contribution on our reserve, you know, I think I counted over 30 people that joined the military in both the United States and Canada. I think one of the things, why I enlisted, we had two First World War Veterans in our reserve. I was impressed with the way that they conducted themselves. They had that military bearing. Many people joined the World Wars, joined to defend their treaties that their peoples had signed with the Government of Canada. You’re a soldier, you’re a soldier, no matter what color your skin is, or what language you speak. If you ever sit in a trench you realize this person beside you is from Newfoundland or from Quebec or BC or the north. Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal. In the end, you’re still a soldier, but you’re still a person and you still have a unique history. You don’t know them from a hole in the ground and you get to know them in a hole in the ground, you know. And you learn a lot about them, you just become real good friends. You went through hardships, no question about that, but they always said that it was something they wanted to do for their country. You go into battle, you go wherever, you need that that trust and you need to be part of that team. And that is the absolute first thing that the military teaches you. I think as time goes on, there will be more understanding to their culture, their traditions and way of life. The freedoms that we exercise today, came about because of the native people and Aboriginal Veterans who have sacrificed their lives so that you and I could be here to carry on the experiences that they fought for. For our young people, be they Metis, First Nation Inuit. Our people served. We have a warriors spirit. Not one to bring harm, but one to ensure peace within our nations. And I was very proud to be a Canadian, still am proud to be a Canadian today. And our contribution for the defence of this country, in my mind shall never be erased.

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Medium:: Video
Owner:: Veterans Affairs Canada
Recorded:: June 5, 2018
Duration:: 2:54

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Aboriginal Canadians

Heroes Remember