June is National Aboriginal Month. The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa commemorates the contributions of all Aboriginal peoples in war and peacekeeping operations from World War I to the present. At the bottom of this article you will see some ways to help honour our Aboriginal Sapper Veterans.
The national monument sculpture embodies the sculptor’s theme that the reason for war is, in all likelihood, a desire for peace. The monument depicts a golden eagle as the messenger between the Creator and man. This Thunderbird also symbolizes the Creator and embodies the spirit of the Aboriginal people. Below the eagle are four human figures - facing the four points of the compass - and representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These figures hold weapons as well as spiritual objects: an eagle feather fan and a peace pipe. On the four corners are animal figures - one on each corner to act as spirit guides and each with a special attribute: a wolf (family values), a buffalo (tenacity), an elk (wariness) and a bear (healing powers).
Aboriginal Canadians have always risen to the needs to fight for Canada’s values. During the First World War some 4,000 members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were of Aboriginal descent. These soldiers left a remarkable record of wartime accomplishment. At least 50 were decorated for bravery on the battlefield. Many acquired near-legendary status as scouts and snipers, drawing on their hunting skills and wilderness experience. Many served as battle-hardened platoon leaders and combat instructors and several were commissioned as officers.
During the Second World War, Aboriginals from across Canada served in the armed forces and fought in every major battle and campaign. At least 3,000 First Nations members - including 72 women - enlisted, as well as an unknown number of Inuit, Métis, and other Indigenous people. Among this number at least 17 decorations for bravery in action were earned. Their courage, sacrifices, and accomplishments are a continuing source of pride to their families, communities, and all Canadians.
Aboriginal Veterans Tribute Honour List. An Aboriginal Veterans Tribute Honour list has been compiled at: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/~jeffrey1/tribute.htm . This list is a work-in-progress and includes WWI, WWII, Korea, Peacetime, and Canadian Forces personnel. Attached is an extract of the names of 120 Sappers among this list. If you wish to submit the name of an Aboriginal Veteran to be placed on this Honour list, please use the submission form at: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/~jeffrey1/AVT_form.htm
Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal. This was a joint effort of National Aboriginal Veterans Association (NAVA) and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. The Aboriginal Veteran Millennium Medal was created in 2000 to commemorate those Aboriginals who risked their lives and sacrificed in the fight for freedom and democracy. It is awarded to Aboriginal veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, the Merchant Navy and those who joined the US Forces either in peacetime or wartime, who served prior to the year 2000 and to Aboriginal members who were serving in the year 2000.
The medal continues to be made available by NAVA and may be requested by someone who meets the eligibility requirements or by an individual who wishes to have the medal presented to an eligible person. As the initial issue of medals has been awarded and the supplies have been depleted, there is now a small charge associated with the medal to cover costs.
See also article: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indigenous-peoples-and-the-world-wars/
