'We will never forget': Indigenous veterans speak about remembrance, reconciliation

At a ceremony to recognize the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans, retired Cpl. Melvin Swan said he served Canada despite the racism and atrocities he's experienced.

"I'm a survivor of day school, residential school and I carried the Sixties Scoop for sixyears ... My claim to fame is a human rights case against the CanadianForces in 1994," Swan told a gathering at Thunderbird House in Winnipeg Monday morning.

Manitoba has recognized Nov. 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day since 1994, a day meant to honour the thousands of First Nations, Mtis and Inuit who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Swan says it's good to see Indigenous veterans being recognized, but the federal government needs to do more to help all veterans when it comes to their physical and mental health.

"The ones who still struggle with the system of military ...we're human beings and we will never forget. We will always remember themthe warriors."

Another of the veterans who spoke about his experiences was Leo Baskatawang from Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in northwestern Ontario, who served in the U.S. military in the 2000s during the Iraq War.

Baskatawang said he has been reflecting on why so many Indigenous people choose to serve in the armed forces.

"I believe for some people, it is to demonstrate the braveness or courage of our people, or perhaps for others, it is a sense of loyalty to the community, or to the nation," he said.

"For others still, it's a sense of duty ...to the community, our familiesand perhaps even to ourselves."

Baskatawang said he didn't know what he was getting himself into when he joined the military in 2002. He said he enlisted because he thought it would bring him opportunities to see the world, learn new skills and meet new people but it came with a heavy cost.

Baskatawang says he still mourns for a member of his troop who was killed in a helicopter crash.

"We can never be prepared for what we see and do over there," he said.

Sgt. Brian Pitawanakwatfrom Manitoulin Island, Ont., isstill serving in the Canadian military. He said he has done three tours of duty in Afghanistan, one in Bosnia and one in Kuwait during his time in the armed forces.

He said he thinks having a day specifically to commend Indigenous veterans in addition to Remembrance Dayis crucial since they have "been falling through the cracks" for so long.

In St. Francois Xavier, Ellen Cook works to keep the stories of veterans from Grand Rapids First Nation alive.

"I'm an educator and always making sure that people know that these young men gave their lives up. For freedom, you know, for the defeat [of]Hitler's army."

Several of Cook's relatives fought in Europe during the Second World War, some of whom lost their lives.She's visited their graves in northern France and the Netherlands.

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs pointed out that Indigenous soldiers were by and large volunteers when they fought overseas, and often faced terrible racism when they returned home.

"There's all these tremendous warriors, people who were fighting for that treaty relationship and the freedoms that we all appreciate and benefit from today."

For Swan, Indigenous Veterans Day isas much about reconciliation as it is remembering.

"I think it's about peace and understanding and respect."

Honouring Indigenous veterans

3 years ago

Duration 2:06

Elders, war veterans and dignitaries attended a small ceremony Monday morning at Thunderbird House in Winnipeg to honour the contributions of Indigenous veterans.