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.
Description
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Recorded:
- June 5, 2018
- Duration:
- 2:54
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