Captain (Ret’d) Robert Thibeau, CD

Robert Thibeau enlisted in 1972 as a Private with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). In 1978, he was deployed to Cyprus as the Section Commander to look after operational standards and resolve issues as they arose. He returned to his home base in Calgary and promoted to Sergeant in 1979. He rose to the rank of Master Warrant Officer, all while completing his high school diploma.

“Throughout my many deployments, I came to the realization that Indigenous soldiers were not always given the same level of respect”.

While abroad, Thibeau realized that not all members of the military were treated equally.

“Throughout my many deployments, I came to the realization that Indigenous soldiers were not always given the same level of respect. I would easily pass for white so I think this is why my experience was different, but I could hear the derogatory comments.” This reality prompted him to educate himself about his cultural roots. He gained a solid appreciation for his heritage and discovered that his Métis ancestry is on his mother’s side, going all the way back to the Mi’kmaq’s of Nova Scotia.

In 1992, news broke of a high profile arrest of child pedophile Karl Toft in New Brunswick. Thibeau had been a victim while residing at Kingsclear Reform School as a teenager.

“When it hit the news, the secret was out as many victims were contacted. It took me back to that place and it was such a dark time in my life.” The community in New Brunswick was outraged, and the shame, emotional pain and embarrassment weighed heavily on Thibeau. Fortunately, he learned to cope, and his job gave him something meaningful to focus on.

“They took a boy that was damaged and gave him a job, a purpose and a sense of belonging [...] That meant more to me than I’ll ever be able to pay back.”

“The military saved my life.” From the moment he enlisted, Thibeau gained self-worth and felt like he mattered. “That feeling of being let down by your family and the system is a difficult hurdle to overcome. They took a boy that was damaged and gave him a job, a purpose and a sense of belonging because they took me on as one of their own and claimed me. That meant more to me than I’ll ever be able to pay back,” said Thibeau.

In 1997, Thibeau was deployed to Bosnia as part of NATO’s Stabilization Force to implement the Dayton Accord Agreement. His unit conducted inspection intelligence and gathered information on threat assessments. Thibeau has fond memories of building schools and kicking the ball around with school children while overseas. “You could tell that the work we were doing was making a difference. And I felt so proud to be Canadian as we drove by patrolling with our Canadian flag, bringing hope to the people. It was powerful.”

Upon returning home in 1998, Thibeau married his wife Rose, who was also serving in the military at the time. They were both stationed in Edmonton and in 2002, Thibeau was commissioned to Captain, assigned to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

The couple moved to Ontario, making a few stops along the way. Thibeau ended his career on a high note as the First Squadron Commander for the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Program at the Royal Military College of Canada. After retiring in 2009, Thibeau became a founding member of Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) and a member of Veterans Affairs Canada’s Mental Health Advisory Group.

He put his passion into action when he created Eagle Vision Leadership and Training Incorporated, a company that teaches Aboriginal awareness and Indigenous cultural training within the Canadian Armed Forces. “Eagle Vision Leadership and Training Incorporated was created to ensure that the pride of our youth and our communities returns, and that we revitalize and redevelop our unique cultures to gain the respect of Canadians.”

“During our service, we shared the hardships and the good times as one – I hold on to those memories”.

Captain Thibeau is proud of his career and of his Métis heritage. “During our service, we shared the hardships and the good times as one. I hold on to those memories.”

Life has not been easy for Thibeau, who showed incredible resilience and tenacity with every obstacle he faced. The military gave him tools and values that shaped his future. As a young Métis soldier, he learned that quitting was not an option. Now an Elder, he aims to pass on the same message to Indigenous youth and leave a story of inspiration that contributes to the legacy of his ancestors.

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Robert Thibeau has left his mark. He is one of our Canadian Veterans. Discover more stories.